TRUST, TRANSPARENCY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Ian Parkinson's vision of our next San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s role is shaped by his extensive work in the community and outside of the police department. Parkinson will provide a fresh perspective that includes transparency in the Department, increased use of technology and volunteerism. He will work with the community and other law enforcement agencies to assure that San Luis Obispo County is safe from gangs, drugs, alcohol, violence, and crime, as well as implement thoughtful environmental stewardship.

Improve Department Transparency and Impartiality

The people of San Luis Obispo County have the right to fair, impartial and professional treatment from the Sheriff’s Department. Parkinson will appoint a professional standards supervisor to audit all areas of the Department’s operation, which will provide transparency and accountability.

Fiscal Responsibility

In this age of government shortfalls, Captain Parkinson will use his extensive experience in managing budgets to use taxpayers’ money cost-effectively. He will do this by locating new grant opportunities, finding creative ways of improving services, making use of technology to become more efficient, and working with other agencies in the County to form partnerships, reduce redundancy and ultimately improve service.

Reduce Violence

Parkinson plans to obtain additional funding for the Gang Task Force through available state and federal law enforcement grants and programs. Parkinson also will utilize the Anti Gang Coordinating Commission to combat gang activity, increase arrests and get gangs out of San Luis Obispo County.

Improve Our Children's Welfare

Ian will work to restore Megan's Law investigators furloughed due to state budget cuts, maintain the Department’s excellent record of tracking and identifying the location of registered sex offenders in the County, and the prevention of repeat crimes by these offenders. Further, since underage alcohol use in San Luis Obispo County has led to tragedy in the past, Ian will continue to partner with Alcoholic Beverage Control to reduce availability of alcohol to minors and to make minors aware of the negative effects of alcohol through increased education. In addition, Parkinson will assure that those who supply alcohol to minors are punished.

Promote Volunteerism

Parkinson will continue to support the outstanding work of the Sheriff's Advisory Board, Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteer Program, Sheriff’s Posse, Dive Team and Aero Squadron, while encouraging others to join him in keeping the County safe and prosperous. Ian recognizes the importance of these programs and will seek opportunities to further use these free and valuable services to the community.

Improve Correctional Facilities

Captain Parkinson plans to do much to enhance the County’s correctional facilities, including city- and town-centered “holding facilities” to eliminate the costly problem of trips to the County jail by Sheriff’s deputies. Further, Ian’s experience is that a simple increase in closed-circuit television in County jails will decrease liability, increase correctional officer safety and instill a greater sense of safety among the public. Parkinson will also employ innovative approaches to address the County’s much-needed jail expansion. The jail is a critical function of the Sheriffs Office and Ian recognizes the valuable service that these members of the department provide. He will seek to expand the educational services provided to inmates with the goal of reducing recidivism.

Protect the Environment

Ian will work to enhance our environment by using hybrid vehicles wherever possible in the Sheriff’s Department. He also will encourage use of programs aimed toward recycling and waste reduction.