The two candidates vying for the top law enforcement seat in McLennan County laid out their plans to keep citizens safe by combating crime, assisting federal and state agencies at the Texas border and more on Thursday.
To a crowd of over 100 citizens of McLennan County, elected officials and more, Sheriff Parnell McNamara used his time to stress the importance and diligence of his department's organized crime units. McNamara says these units aid in combating gang violence, human trafficking and he emphasized a focus on tackling the growing threat of cybercrime.
"I would love the grab every one of these scum bags and put them away for many, many years. That's what they need," McNamara said. "They're hard to catch some are in Canada, some are in Nigeria, but we're fighting that cybercrime everyway we can."
Challenger Jeff Aguirre, a criminal investigator for the McLennan County District Attorney's Office, said he wants to focus on the morale and messaging from within the sheriff's office to produce results and retain hard-working employees for the county.
"It's imperative for the success of this organization that you have as much focus on employee retention, growth and fiscal responsibility as you do warrant service, specialized units and tactical operations," Aguirre said.
Both candidates made commitments to aiding federal and state law enforcement in the on-going effort to secure the border as well.
McNamara said the MCSO would be "heading up" the Central Texas Division of the Governor's tactical border force. In agreement with the sheriff's unwavering commitment, Aguirre said they will be doing "everything in their power" to assist federal and state agencies in their efforts to secure the border.
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