Accessibility
Five years as Assistant Chief of Police wherein his main job was to field concerns from the public has prepared Hal well to communicate the aims and goals of law enforcement to anyone who cares to ask. Most of the complaints that members of the public have stem from misunderstandings about the nature of particular incident or because people simply needed additional information to allay their concerns. Openness, clarity, efficiency, and courtesy will serve as hallmark characteristics for his administration.

Receptivity to the Community
In small towns, people are the greatest asset, and government agencies should empower people to help themselves. Crime happens when good women and men do nothing. It’s important that law enforcement agencies be receptive to citizens who take their time to be concerned with the well-being of their neighbors.

Cooperation
The safety and well being of the citizens of Montgomery County requires cooperation not only between local law enforcement organizations but also good working relationships with the agencies of surrounding counties as well as the state police. Positive relationships between administrations of various agencies, which do not exist under the current Sheriff’s administration, are essential to the safety and well-being of Montgomery County’s residents.

The safety of the community shouldn’t be a competition between police agencies. Criminal activity occurs in and overlaps between any number of jurisdictions and so communication and cooperation between departments are essential for the effective protection of the community.

Empowerment
Everyday citizens can help immeasurably with fighting crime in our county. People know who usually is and is not in their neighborhood. They can spot a strange vehicle around their neighbors’ house despite the fact that the neighbors are on vacation or otherwise currently away from their home. We need to watch out for each other. Armed with eyes, a sense of community, and cell phones, Hal wants citizens to know that they are a huge part of their safety! A call will generate lots of questions from the dispatcher, but those are for the officers’ safety.

Once the word gets out that Montgomery County folks watch out for each other, that would deter burglars, meth cookers, vandals, and other miscreants. Criminals do not want to be noticed and they’re counting on people not to get involved. Empowerment is involvement in the well being of your friends, family, neighbors, and community.