A former police officer is entering into the more and more crowded election for Santa Clara County sheriff.
Dave Knopf, former assistant chief of the San Jose Police Division, filed papers final week to run for sheriff.
Knopf started his profession in regulation enforcement working for the Morgan Hill Police Division in 1988. He transferred to SJPD in 1992 the place he rose by means of the ranks to grow to be assistant chief of police in 2016. He briefly served as appearing chief after former Police Chief Eddie Garcia retired, earlier than hanging up his hat in 2021.
Knopf instructed San José Highlight he believes a number of the points afflicting the Sheriff’s Workplace are much like what he encountered on the San Jose Police Division six years in the past, together with lack of morale and management, retention points and bother hiring.
“I’ve finished this earlier than, I can repair this,” Knopf stated. As assistant chief, he helped the division implement a use of pressure coverage, set up de-escalation coaching and create group advisory boards. When San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo proposed banning rubber bullets for crowd management at protests, Knopf publicly argued for his or her use in opposition to violent protesters.
Garcia instructed San José Highlight he believes Knopf could be improbable for Santa Clara County as sheriff, citing his skills as a morale builder.
“Dave is aware of the way to strike change, notably in regulation enforcement, and notably within the period we’re in proper now,” Garcia stated.
Knopf, who continues to be assembling his marketing campaign group, stated if elected he’ll concentrate on restoring the morale of the workplace, which has been tormented by scandals for months. Knopf stated the workplace should work on its transparency and enhance remedy of individuals held in custody.
Knopf stated he doesn’t have endorsements but. He acknowledged he’s the one particular person operating who doesn’t have expertise working on the Sheriff’s Workplace, however he doesn’t see this as a drawback.
“I feel a contemporary set of eyes and a contemporary perspective from the surface goes to be paramount to fixing the problems at the moment happening,” Knopf stated.
Two different candidates are formally operating for sheriff: retired Captain Kevin Jensen and Sergeant Christine Nagaye. Sergeant Sean Allen additionally introduced his intention to run within the race and plans to file quickly.
A standing thriller is whether or not Sheriff Laurie Smith plans to run for a seventh time period.
Smith, who grew to become sheriff in 1998, has weathered a 12 months of escalating crises. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors referred to as for state and federal investigations of Smith’s administration of the jail system following accidents to mentally sick inmates. The board adopted that with a vote of no confidence in Smith’s management final August. Extra just lately, a civil grand jury introduced an accusation in opposition to Smith for alleged corrupt misconduct that included granting hid weapon licenses to donors and political supporters. A listening to for the accusation is scheduled in San Mateo County courtroom this Friday.
Smith didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Contact Eli Wolfe at [email protected] or @EliWolfe4 on Twitter.
