Sheriff hopefuls promise tougher enforcement, more training and recruitment plans

Three Republican candidates for Rockingham County sheriff used the forum to lay out competing approaches to crime, staffing and jail oversight.

Billy Parker said he would increase personnel, create an interdiction team and prioritize aggressive enforcement while also seeking responsible use of taxpayer funds. “We will need additional personnel... It’s up to the commissioners whether we give it or not,” Parker said.

Darren Wright emphasized partnerships and servant leadership, saying he would build relationships with federal and local agencies, faith-based groups and private partners to augment the sheriff’s office without immediately adding positions. He described a goal to increase the public-safety budget from the current share and pursue recruitment and training to retain deputies.

Brian Harbor, campaigning as a concerned father and citizen, described crime as a nationwide cultural problem with local effects and promised to protect constitutional rights while pursuing crime reduction.

All three candidates addressed jail oversight and misconduct allegations, saying they would hold staff accountable; they expressed full cooperation with ICE on criminal matters if actions are constitutional. Several pledged to work with county commissioners on funding and retention, and all sought voters’ support ahead of the primary.

The forum did not include formal policy commitments beyond campaign statements or binding budget proposals.