Kelvis Williams

What is the key issue facing the sheriff’s office and how would you address it?

Hiring and retention. Better pay and better benefits will help. A great working environment, as well as more recruiting.

What is your approach to immigration enforcement and working with ICE in the jail?

I will not work with ICE. All ICE detainees have been removed from the MSCO Adult Detention Center.

Overcrowding has long been an issue in the jail. How would you address this issue?

Over crowding in our current jail is not an issue at this time. If it ever becomes an issue, we need to have a plan to remove inmates who don’t need to be in our jail, such as mentally challenged, substance abuse related and misdemeanor crimes.

Housing advocates fear a new law criminalizing homeless encampments will contribute to overcrowding, strain other resources and unfairly punish people without homes. How would you address this?

First of all, homelessness should not be a crime. I would encourage the city, community organizations and the state to find solutions for homelessness. There should be shelters, housing accommodations to help the homeless who wants too help themselves.

Would you terminate the contract between the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service that allows the jail to house ICE detainees?

Already taken care of. MSCO will not house ICE detainees anymore.