Prince William County Police Association Endorses Rick Smith for Chairman

Submitted by the Rick Smith campaign for Chairman 

Rick Smith, the Democratic nominee for Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, has received the endorsement of the Prince William County Police Association. “As a resident of this county for 37 years, I understand that this is a great community to live in and raise my children. That being said, we can do more to protect, not only our loved ones but also the law enforcement officials in our county.” Smith said upon receiving the endorsement.

The Prince William County Police Association has been incorporated since 1973 and is made up of over 400 members from the Prince William County Police Department, regardless of rank. The Police Association works with the Chief of Police, County Executive and Prince William Board of Supervisors to develop policies based on the concerns and needs of its membership.

 Smith said public safety and supporting our police will be a focus of his time as Chairman.

Violent crime in Prince William County increased by over 7 percent in 2014. The police force here in Prince William is currently staffed at 75 percent of the recommended level set forth by the Board of Supervisors.  Adequate staffing is not just a matter of safety for our residents, but for the safety of law enforcement officers as well. As Chairman, I will ensure that our public safety departments are properly staffed and equipped so they may continue to bravely serve our county.

In Bristow Beat's sit down interview with Smith, as well as his stance, during the Northern Virginia Community College/Prince William Chamber debates, Smith has always advocated for increasing police presence in Prince William County.