Breaking the Cycle: Beginning the Healing

Recidivism remains one of the most persistent challenges in Spartanburg County and across the nation. Many of the individuals in our detention center are not hardened criminals, they’re people struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or a lack of opportunity and support. For some, incarceration has become a revolving door.

As Sheriff, I believe it’s not just my duty to enforce the law, it’s my responsibility to give people a real chance at transformation, especially when they show a desire to change.

Mental Health and Counseling Within the Detention Center

We will build on the strong foundation of existing in-house programs by:

• Expanding access to counseling and faith-based recovery services within the detention center.
• Partnering with organizations like Celebrate Recovery, local ministries, and licensed counselors to offer a diverse range of support options, addressing addiction, trauma, mental health, and personal growth.
• Ensuring that these programs are voluntary, confidential, and ongoing, not one-time sessions.

Post-Release Support: Continuity, Not a Cut-Off

One of the most critical moments for a former inmate is the day they walk out the door, often with no job, no support, and no stability.

We will:

• Ensure continued access to counseling services after release, at no cost.
• Maintain connections with counselors and faith-based mentors from inside the center to ensure continuity of care.
• Create a warm handoff process, connecting individuals to community organizations, churches, recovery groups, and mental health professionals the day they are released.
• Explore partnerships with re-entry programs, employment services, and housing resources to assist with stabilization.

Why It Matters: Restoring People, Reducing Crime

The most effective way to make our community safer is to prevent future crimes before they happen, and one of the best ways to do that is by giving people the tools to stay out of jail.

• Every life we help redirect is a family preserved, a taxpayer cost saved, and a safer community for us all.
• Counseling provides the emotional and psychological support needed to face life’s challenges, without resorting to the behaviors that led them to jail in the first place.
• Reducing recidivism isn’t soft on crime—it’s smart, compassionate, and responsible leadership.

A Sheriff’s Responsibility: Every Life Matters

We are all one decision, one tragedy, or one bad moment away from being on the other side of the law. As Sheriff, I recognize that those incarcerated are still members of our community, they deserve dignity, opportunity, and support as they work to rebuild their lives.

I believe the quality of life inside the detention center is just as much my responsibility as it is for every citizen outside of it.

My Commitments:

• Expand counseling and recovery services inside the detention center.
• Establish free post-release counseling and mentorship programs.
• Partner with churches, non-profits, and mental health organizations to ensure continuity of care.
• Prioritize second chances, not repeat offenses, as a central goal of detention policy.