Editor’s Note: Today, The Daily Leader continues a question-and-answer series highlighting candidates participating in Brookhaven’s upcoming municipal elections. Today’s responses are from chief of police candidates. Ted Goleman is running as a Republican. Bobby Bell and Larry “Big Dog” Warren are seeking the Democratic nomination. Responses appear as submitted by the candidates.

1. It’s been more than five years since the city’s 2007 annexation that greatly expanded the city limits. Does the Brookhaven Police Department have the resources to handle the additional territory that was annexed into the city? If not, what steps would be taken to deal with this?

Bobby Bell: The ultimate responsibility for this position is to serve and protect the citizens of Brookhaven. Presently the Brookhaven Police Department averages about 29 officers at one time. Annexation requires more officer coverage. I would like to aim for a high of 42 officers, which would allow the department to average about 35. This would eliminate some of our current limitations regarding the annexed areas. If we can recruit new team members and stress the need for a stronger sense of public service and community devotion in the force, finding qualified applicants will not be a problem. This would allow the department to increase its presence in these areas.

Ted Goleman: No, the Police Department does not have a full force of officers to cover the increase. I understand that officers retire or move on to higher paying jobs. More officers need to be hired and trained to cover the expanded area. Our city should be adequately protected at all times.

Larry “Big Dog” Warren: No. I will take steps to recruit additional officers so that the neighborhoods in the annexed areas will be patrolled at all times, which will help to improve the response time to a call in these areas. I will also take steps to improve and acquire updated necessary equipment and technology, and to establish community partnerships which will in turn, establish relationships between the community and the department.

2. What do you see as the top two issues that will be priorities of your term of office? How will you handle these issues?

Bobby Bell: As the top law enforcement officer for the city, I would like to look at the position as a team leader. My responsibility as the leader is to lead by example. To carry out this duty, I must set the mission and directions for the department. My two top priorities are to increase the usage of technology and to increase the number of officers.

With the advancements in technology, I would like to bring more innovations to the department. I would like to not only integrate the usage of technology, but also purchase dashboard cameras for out patrol cars.

Ted Goleman: Home and business break-ins and drugs in our city. Patrol of neighborhoods, stopping to talk with people who are outside who may not wish to come to the station to voice a concern. Work with local law enforcement agencies we have to help stop the drug flow into the city, work the known areas of dealings and dealers to make the arrests.

Larry “Big Dog” Warren: The top two issues that will be priorities of my term in office are: To combat the drug problem, I will establish community partnerships to help raise awareness. People are the first to know what is going on in their neighborhoods and can provide pertinent information. However, in order for this to be successful, the Chief must have good people skills and must always be approachable so that the people will feel comfortable sharing information. To uplift the morale of the officers, everyone will be treated fairly and promotions will be awarded based upon merit instead of the buddy system.

3. What qualifies you to seek this office and how will those qualifications make you the best candidate for this position?

Bobby Bell: After graduating from Alcorn, I was given the opportunity to become employed in the Brookhaven Police Department. I’ve worked from patrolman to assistant chief. My tenure has allowed me to receive experience on all levels. My experiences have given me an opportunity to grow in the department as well as to assist in the development of new initiatives.

As a public servant to the people, I hope to use my values of ethics and high standards of integrity to expand my services. My experience in this department has also given me the knowledge of how this department serves as a vital link to the operation of the entire city and county.

Ted Goleman: I have 28 years of experience with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. I served as a Squad Leader in Vietnam during my 14 1/2 month tour. From these experiences, I learned how to work with the public as well as leading men in the jobs they perform.

Larry “Big Dog” Warren: I received Certification from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Academy and additional updated trainings and certifications during my tenure as a BPD officer; was haired and worked as the first Security Officer for both the Brookhaven School District and the Mississippi School of the Arts; 28 years of experience with the Brookhaven Police Department, where I worked my way up through the ranks from Patrolman to Captain. These qualifications along with a strong desire to serve all the people of this community affords me a broad knowledge of law enforcement, people skills, what it will take to make Brookhaven a safe place to live.

4. What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you as chief of police?

Bobby Bell: As a resident of Brookhaven for the past 35 years, I have been a dedicated employee having served under the late Chief L.J. McBridge, Chief Benton Burt, Chief Fred McKee and Chief Pap Henderson. This time has given me an opportunity to serve the people, to learn and grow professionally.

I am a retired School Attendance Officer with the Department of Education, chairman of the Board for the Boys and Girls Club, President of Big Brother, Big Sisters Mentors Program, Brookhaven & Lincoln County Schools Dropout Prevention Program, and the Massengill and Henderson Mentor Program. These programs have given me the privilege of working with the youth of the city and adults to see our continued needs for structured programs for our community.

Ted Goleman: Brookhaven is my home and a wonderful place to raise a family. I want to see Brookhaven grow, but the safety of the public is at the top. People should not be afraid to go to the store for fear of a purse-snatcher, or carjacking or even a shooting downtown.

Larry “Big Dog” Warren: I am seeking this office because I have a desire to: serve the people of this community, to bring about a reduction in the crime rate, to provide a firm commitment to public trust, and to form community partnerships that will foster relationships that will help to identify and impact the causes of problems that contributes to the incidences of crime in the community.

Voters should elect me as Chief because I am a man of integrity and will be dedicated to all the citizens of our town. If I’m chosen as your next Chief of Police, my door will always be open and I will work in an aggressive manner to serve our community in a responsible way.