Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Sheriff has a responsibi­lity to enforce all laws

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In response to a letter to the editor by Frank W. Head Jr. and Clint Schnekloth in the Aug. 28 Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, regarding Sheriff Tim Helder: As a retired chief of police of Springdale, with more than 25 years in law enforcemen­t, I feel compelled to give my opinion on statements made by the above.

The 287g Immigratio­n and Customs Enforcemen­t detainer program is certainly constituti­onal. There is nothing wrong with the sheriff agreeing to work with Immigratio­n and Customs Enforcemen­t. For him to refuse to do so would make Washington County a sanctuary county. I do not believe this would be the right thing to do for our county.

I have known Sheriff Tim Helder since he became an officer of the law for the city of Fayettevil­le. He did an outstandin­g job for Fayettevil­le and Washington County. I do not believe he is prejudiced against any race, religion or nationalit­y. I am proud to have him as our Washington County sheriff.

Sheriff Helder enforces the law as it is written. He does not have the authority to select which laws he will enforce and which laws he will ignore.

I suggest that if you do not like a law as it is written, you should contact your representa­tive and senators and have them change the law.

I want to thank Sheriff Tim Helder for enforcing the laws of Arkansas and the United States of America. TRUMAN BREWER Springdale

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