Politics

Special election for Jacksonville sheriff: Interview with candidate Ken Jefferson

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County voters have a big decision coming up -- who will become the next sheriff?

That person will lead an agency of more than 3,000 employees with a $550 million budget. Action News Jax has highlighted each of the five candidates running for sheriff, including Ken Jefferson. You can watch our full interview with Jefferson below.

Ken Jefferson

Ken Jefferson spent 24 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He started as patrol officer and worked his way up to leadership roles like field training officer and recruiter. After retiring from JSO, Jefferson worked as a law and safety expert for the media. He has a Master’s Degree in Theology.

When asked what issue he would address first as sheriff, Jefferson replied, “The biggest issue that I’m hearing from the citizens of Jacksonville is transparency, lack of lack of transparency.” He added, “So my very first day in office, I intend to sign an M.O.U., memorandum of understanding, to partner with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement turning over to them every police involved shooting as well as every in-custody death, have them investigate those, and report back to the agency. Then, also (I) will impanel a commission of civilians.