Andrew Zinke: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: WoodstockWebsite: www.zinkeforsheriff.orgOffice sought: McHenry County Sheriff Age: 45Family: Wife Kimberly, sons 1, 3, 12 years of ageOccupation: UndersheriffEducation: Graduate of McHenry High School West CampusM.B.A- Aurora University, B.A.- Judson University, Associates Degree- McHenry County CollegeGraduate of FBI National Academy, Quantico VA.Graduate of Northwestern School of Staff and Command, Evanston IL.Graduate of Senior Management in Policing, Boston MA.Civic involvement: Leadership Greater McHenry County (LGMC) Rotarian -Rotary Club of Woodstockvolunteer McHenry County Shop with a Cop program 19 years.volunteer Special Olympics Torch Run for over 15 yearsSupporter of Turning Point Domestic Violence agencyBoard member Emergency Telephone System Board FBI National Academy Associates Northern Illinois (former Treasurer)Supporter of county wide military Veteran programsElected offices held: Republican Precinct CommitteemanHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NO.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?To provide a safe and secure community for our families, friends, and businesses. I am proud to have stood on the front line and will continue the fight to keep McHenry County a great place to live. I am committed to targeting criminals that prey on Senior citizens and children.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?Experience, Education, and Leadership ability. My experience has been working on the front line of law enforcement in McHenry County for over 25 years. I know each town and the unique areas of McHenry County. I am connected to the pulse of law enforcement in McHenry County. I will not require on-the-job training when I become Sheriff. I currently work beside over 400 of the best men and women in law enforcement at the Sheriff's Office. *What are your thoughts about the idea of having municipal police departments patrol unincorporated areas?There is plenty of work for all law enforcement agencies in McHenry County and I pledge assistance and support to any agency that wants to take on more. We provide assistance to municipal departments such as; Traffic Unit/Accident Investigations, SWAT, Detectives, Crime scene processing, and coverage when requested. We are often requested to assist municipal police due to budget constraints. **Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?McHenry County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. As Sheriff, I pledge to use my best efforts to keep it that way. I am the current chairman of the HEAT (Heroin Enforcement/Education Action Team) and am committed to working with everyone in our community to reduce heroin and drug overdoses. *My formal education with the FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Staff and Command, Senior Management in Policing and recently received MBA, has helped me to confront issues such as internet crimes, illegal drugs, and other serious crime. My leadership experience includes serving as a K9 unit supervisor, Sergeant- Detective, Lieutenant- Patrol and Detective, and current Undersheriff since 2010. Education is the key to every successful leader. I am passionate about learning and developing future leaders. Law Enforcement has to evolve with new trends and cutting edge strategies. .**We have been approached on several occasions to consider taking over police services for smaller agencies that may no longer be cost effective. On occasion the Sheriff's Office does request a municipal police department to assist when we are unable to provide a timely response that requires immediate attention. However, you have to analyze the time, expense, and legality costs associated with a municipal police department providing patrol coverage outside of their jurisdiction.