Connie S. Compton
Background: Having served in law enforcement for 31-plus years, I have dedicated my life to helping the citizens of Rappahannock County. I was elected and have served as your Sheriff since 2008, which has been my greatest honor. I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens of Rappahannock County. It has been my greatest honor to be your Sheriff and I humbly ask for your support and for your vote on November 5th.
RappNews: What is the most urgent issue facing the county now?
Compton: From a law enforcement standpoint, lack of effective communications, opioid use, and mental health needs are constant issues facing us. Cell service is lacking in several areas of our county. Our 911 center deals with this issue daily — people traveling through the county often cannot get a 911 connection. Or it can take up to ten minutes to get a connection. That is entirely too long to have to wait for someone to be able to call for help. Our communications center also struggles with spotty radio communications from law enforcement and fire and rescue services. Our communications are vital to them and to the safety of everyone in the county.
Opioid use is on the rise. For years we have watched other counties struggle with this issue. We are now seeing this issue infiltrate into our own county. As a community, we need more awareness of mental health and suicide issues, as well as treatment programs and education to help families and friends of sufferers recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health distress.
RN: What in your background and experience would help address that?
Compton: I have witnessed firsthand many of the results of the challenges I mentioned. I have been on crime scenes where we couldn’t communicate with our dispatch center. We were in areas that had no cell reception, and no radio coverage or landline available. I had to drive to an area that provided cell or radio signal to communicate.
In an effort to combat the opioid crisis, I have supplied each patrol deputy with Narcan. This medication is proven to reverse the effects of the opioid until further medical attention can be provided. I am thankful to say we have had lives saved due to our deputies administering Narcan.
I have attended training regarding mental health issues. The biggest eye opener is arriving on a suicide death scene. The family is in total shock, devastated that they had no idea their loved one was suffering. I have also had the unfortunate experience of the family knowing their loved one was struggling and had tried to get them help. Help did not come fast enough.
RN: What do you see as the responsibilities of the Sheriff?
Compton: My job is to see to the safety and security of each person in this county, and the protection of each citizen’s life, limb, and property. I provide a safe and secure courthouse while court is in session. I also take a serious interest in the safety of schools — each student and employee deserves to go to school and feel safe. School resource officers are assigned to each county school.
RN: Why do you want to be re-elected Sheriff?
Compton: I have a vested interest in the community that I love so much. This is my home — my family is here, as well as my friends. I want to continue to serve the good people of this community.
RN: What have you accomplished as sheriff?
Compton: I am proud to say that in my tenure as Sheriff, my department has provided more adequate training and cross-training for each employee; implemented three full-time school resource officers and three certified animal control officers; founded the Rappahannock County Children’s Foundation; created the Narcan carry program and the 24/7 medication give-back container located in the office lobby; acquired the 911 Coordinator’s position; and updated the county mapping system and the department’s CAD system. We have joined the RSW Regional Jail and the Skyline Regional Criminal Justice Academy; updated the department’s policy and procedure manual and office space; implemented a stricter hiring policy; and expanded the Senior Safety Daily Call program. We are currently in the process of a major technology upgrade to our Communications Center and launching the Project Lifesaver Program.