2023 Candidate Profile: Wanda Younger For Arlington County Sheriff

ARLINGTON, VA — Wanda Younger, who served for more than 30 years in the Arlington County Sheriff's Office, is seeking the Democratic nomination for Arlington County Sheriff in the June 20 primary election.

During part of her tenure in the Arlington County Sheriff's Office, Younger was assigned to lead its training office and was responsible for developing a training plan and an annual training budget for all personnel in the sheriff's office, both sworn and civilian.

From 2017 through 2019, Younger served as director of pretrial services for the sheriff's office and oversaw staff supervision of work-release for those incarcerated, electronic monitoring, and community service.

Younger is running against acting Arlington County Sheriff Jose Quiroz and James Herring, a corporal in the Arlington County Police Department, in the Democratic primary.

Early voting in Arlington County in the Democratic primary began May 5. Voting on primary election day will happen from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20.

Patch asked the three candidates for Arlington County Sheriff for their answers to the same questions. Here are Younger's responses:

Name

Wanda Younger

Campaign website

wandaforsheriff.com

Age (as of Election Day)
55

Family

I am married to James Younger, an attorney and retired Arlington Deputy Chief of Police. I have two sons, a daughter-in-law from Honduras, and three grandsons, the youngest of whom has a disability.

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree: Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration (summa cum laude) from Colorado State University.
• Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.): Administration of Justice (magna cum laude) from Northern Virginia Community College.
• Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (Sponsored by FBI).
• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership Development Course.
• Received Jail Manager Certification.

The single most pressing issue facing the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The alarming rate of seven deaths in seven years at the Arlington County Detention Facility, along with two lawsuits for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act settled against the Sheriff's Office, highlight the urgent need for change. As Sheriff, I would be committed to addressing these issues head-on and implementing comprehensive reforms to ensure the well-being and dignity of all individuals in our custody.

To tackle this pressing issue, I have developed a comprehensive platform that focuses on specific key areas. First, I will prioritize the improvement of mental health services within the detention facility. This includes increasing access to mental health professionals, implementing specialized training for staff on de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention, and developing comprehensive mental health screening and treatment programs to included changes in personnel and the implementation of paramedic staff trained in psychiatric crisis situations.

Second, I will enhance medical care for those incarcerated, ensuring that their medical needs are properly assessed, diagnosed, and treated. This involves collaborating with medical professionals to establish robust protocols for timely and appropriate medical interventions. Those within our care must be cleared of their medical issues first prior to implementation of our comprehensive mental illness programs.

In addressing the mental and medical health of those in the care of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, this will require a complete rethinking of the operations of how we treat detainees with mental illness in our jail and the revamping of Chapter 8 of the Standard Operating Procedures of the Arlington County Detention Facility.

In order to accomplish this, I have studied the protocols of the hospital emergency room to emulate best practices to improve the standard of care. Biometrics is just the beginning. Biometrics gives us the alert, but we must have personnel to react and to handle the crisis situation exactly as it’s done in an emergency room. There are two phases to dealing with Mental Illness. The first is to get hold of and clear the medical issues. Only then, can we implement Mental Health clinicians to help with the long-term care needed for our detainees.

I aim to create a detention facility that upholds the highest standards of care and rehabilitation. It is my unwavering commitment to ensure that the dignity, well-being, and Virginia Constitutional Rights of every individual in our custody are respected and protected. Through comprehensive reforms and a focus on compassion and accountability, we can transform the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office into a model of excellence, ensuring a safer and more just community for all.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Arlington County Sheriff?

The critical differences between myself and the other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Arlington County Sheriff can be summarized as follows:

1. Education and Experience: Unlike the other candidates, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration as well as extensive advanced leadership training to include Leadership training through the F.B.I. and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

This educational background and practical experience bring several benefits to being a Sheriff, including in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system, specialized expertise in crime prevention and investigation, leadership development, professional credibility, and networking opportunities. These advantages contribute to the Sheriff’s ability to effectively lead the office, make informed decisions, and promote public safety.

2. Ethics: My professional record demonstrates a commitment to ethics and integrity. This distinction reflects my dedication to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in serving the community and serves as the bedrock of trust.

3. Solution-oriented Approach: I have actively presented solution sets from my three pillars of change through short, concise videos on social media. These videos address critical issues including school safety and the mental health crisis – providing clear plans for implementing tangible changes that will enhance the lives of the community, staff, and detainees.

• Website: wandaforsheriff.com
• Facebook: Wanda for Sheriff
• Twitter: @Wanda4Sheriff

4. Comprehensive Understanding of the Role: I recognize the role of the Sheriff as more than a simple caretaker of the jail and court. As a policymaker and protector of citizens’ Virginia Constitutional Rights, I understand the historical context and broader responsibilities associated with the position. This understanding enables me to advocate for the interests and well-being of all Arlington County residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The campaign platform I have developed is centered around addressing several key issues that are crucial to the well-being and safety of the Arlington community. In addition to systemic reform and the mental and medical health of those incarcerated, there are other significant issues that define my campaign platform.

1. Community Safety: I prioritize the safety of our community by advocating for community policing initiatives that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and residents. This includes implementing the law enforcement certification deputies hold.

2. Criminal Justice Reform: I am committed to assisting our Commonwealth’s Attorney in implementing all programs that promote rehabilitation and reduce the recidivism rates of crime amongst our detainees.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: I strongly believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive Sheriff’s Office that reflects the multicultural and diverse community it serves. I will actively work to recruit deputies from underrepresented communities within the Sheriff’s Office profession. This will bring our recruitment policy in line with other metropolitan jurisdictions.

4. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Recognizing the intersection between mental health and the criminal justice system, I will strengthen partnerships with mental health professionals and community organizations to enhance crisis intervention and support services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. We will bring the medical and mental health care within our detention facility in line with the standard of care of the finest emergency rooms in Northern Virginia.

5. Sheriff’s Office Accountability and Transparency: There is an inherent trust deficit between law enforcement and the community. This distrust can be rectified with clear accountability measures and the promotion of transparency by the Sheriff’s Office.

6. Fiscal Responsibility: As Sheriff, I will prioritize responsible financial management and ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively. I will work to streamline operations, identify cost-saving measures, and allocate resources to areas that have the greatest impact on community safety and well-being.

What would you do to increase the safety of people being held at the Arlington County jail and improve the operations of the jail?

1. Enhance Staff Training: I will prioritize comprehensive training programs for all jail staff, including de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and cultural sensitivity.

2. Improve Mental Health Services: Recognizing the importance of mental health in the correctional setting, I will work to expand mental health resources within the jail and encourage deputies to obtain certification as emergency medical technicians.

By implementing these measures, I am confident that we can create a jail environment that prioritizes safety, respect, and rehabilitation. The goal is to not only ensure the well-being of those in custody but also contribute to their successful reintegration into the community, ultimately promoting a safer and more inclusive Arlington County.

What would you do to streamline the security process at Arlington County Courthouse and make it easier for residents who need to visit the various county offices inside the building?

To streamline the security process at Arlington County Courthouse and improve the visitor experience, I have developed several strategies as part of my campaign platform:

1. Increase utilization of the 14th Street entrance for court and county personnel.

2. Utilize Screening Station #2 for attorney, county, and court personnel access.

3. Assign Auxiliary Deputy staff to assist with entry screening to assure positive identification of cleared personnel.

4. Conduct an audit to ensure best practices for the entry into the Courthouse of persons with disabilities and those needing special assistance.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

1. Extensive Experience in the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office: With over 31 years of dedicated service in various assignments within the Sheriff's Office, I possess comprehensive organizational knowledge of this agency and a deep understanding of its current challenges.

As a Lieutenant and Training Coordinator, I successfully developed and implemented training programs for both sworn and civilian staff of the Sheriff’s Office. I ensured compliance with training standards and fostered professional growth among personnel, resulting in a well-prepared workforce. I also developed and managed the Training Section budget for the Sheriff’s Office.

In my role as Director of Pretrial Services, I oversaw the supervision of work-release, electronic monitoring, and community service programs. I managed the Pretrial Services Program, ensuring client compliance with release conditions. I also developed and managed the Pretrial Services Section budget. These experiences demonstrate my ability to handle complex programs and effectively manage resources.

As a Project Manager, I served as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and County agencies. I effectively communicated project statuses and identified safety and security issues that could impact operations. This experience highlights my proficiency in coordinating efforts and ensuring the smooth execution of initiatives.

2. Commitment to Excellence: As a Leadership Arlington 2015 Graduate, I have been acknowledged for my commitment to excellence within the criminal justice community as well as my involvement in community service initiatives. I also received the NAACP Arlington Branch President’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2021.

Why should voters trust you?

I served 31 years in the Arlington Sheriff’s Office with no ethical or misconduct issues. My track record as an advocate for reform and social justice, both through my work in the Arlington County NAACP and my leadership roles within the Sheriff’s Office, demonstrates my commitment to making a positive impact.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, equipping me with the knowledge and expertise to lead effectively as Sheriff. By electing me, voters can trust that I will prioritize their safety, strive for meaningful change, and serve as a dedicated public servant for the Arlington community.

As law enforcement officers, we are held to a higher standard, and lying during an internal investigation should never be tolerated or granted a second chance. My unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity sets me apart from my competitors. Voters can have confidence that I will uphold the values of transparency and accountability, ensuring that trust is restored in the Sheriff’s Office. By electing me, voters send a powerful message that they expect and deserve a Sheriff who leads with integrity and serves as a role model for the community.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

The best advice I ever received was from my mother, “treat everyone with respect and compassion.” These values and principles have shaped my life and decision to run for the Sheriff’s Office where I aim to give a voice to the marginalized and address biases within the office. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, I will create an environment where diverse ideas are valued, leading to meaningful and positive change for our community. Together, we can build a Sheriff’s Office that embodies respect, compassion, and fairness.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

We are putting together solutions sets and re-thinking the Sheriff’s Office from the ground up. Voters should also know that I am a dedicated public servant with a deep commitment to my family and community. I am running for Arlington Sheriff to serve the community and make a positive difference.

I believe that to truly understand the role of the Sheriff, one must appreciate its historical context as a Constitutional Officer. It goes beyond being a Police or Law Enforcement Officer; it requires being a policymaker who upholds the voice and Constitutional rights of citizens. With my experience, integrity, education, and worldview, I am ready to improve the lives of the Arlington community, Sheriff’s Office staff, and those detained. I have a clear plan and a capable team, ensuring I am prepared to lead from Day One.

One key aspect of my plan is to re-invigorate the Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff&’s Program. This program will play a crucial role in enhancing school safety by leveraging the power of community involvement. Through a volunteer-based approach, the Auxiliary Deputy Sheriffs will bring valuable resources to our law enforcement efforts, complementing the work of our full-time officers. Their focus will be on mentorship and safety, providing guidance and support to students while promoting a secure learning environment.

I am dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the necessary resources and support they need to thrive. It is essential to foster an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can be self-sufficient and treated with dignity and respect. I will advocate for improved accessibility, accommodations, and services to create an inclusive community that values and supports individuals with disabilities.

By addressing the mental and medical health of those incarcerated, reinvigorating the Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff’s Program for school safety, and advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, I aim to create a more compassionate, inclusive, and safe Arlington County. Together, we can build a community that upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and equality for all.

RELATED:

• 2023 Candidate Profile: James Herring For Arlington County Sheriff
• 2023 Candidate Profile: Jose Quiroz For Arlington County Sheriff
• Arlington Primary Election 2023 Early Voting Set To Begin