Essex County Sheriff Candidate Kevin Leach: Snapshot

Editor's Note: This profile is part of a series on candidates for Essex County Sheriff. Patch is not endorsing any candidate in this race, and profiles are being published as candidates are available for interviews.

Independent Kevin Leach of Manchester

Experience:

Kevin Leach was most recently a Grand Jury Foreman for two terms, gathering and evaluating evidence to help decide felony indictments for major crimes. Before that, he was a county commissioner, and has served in various other positions having to do with law enforcement and government, including deputy sheriff.

Running because:

"I have all this training and experience and knowledge that I'd like to give back by continuing my public service," Leach told Patch, noting that he'd like to use his 40 years of criminal justice experience.

If elected:

Leach said his first priority would be the safety and security of the citizens of the county, mentioning the two inmates that walked away from the minimum security in Lawrence earlier this week.

"The safety of the community is my primary focus," said Leach.

He said his second priority is the safety and well being of the employees, and would make hires and promotions based on merit and not on political connections.

And Leach said the safety of the inmates would be his third priority as sheriff.

"On Day 1 I would do an operational audit," said Leach.

What sets him apart:

"My unique set of training experience," said Leach. "I've worked in the sheriff's office. I have that administrative background."

Accomplishments:

Leach said his proudest accomplishment was exposing corruption in the county sheriff's office, referencing the federal corruptions charges levied against Essex County Sheriff Charles Reardon in 1996.

Endorsements:

Leach has not sought any endorsements.

"I like to stay independent," said Leach. "The Republicans and the Democrats are the establishment. I'll take the endorsement of the voters."

Image via Kevin Leach