Serving as sheriff since 2017, he seeks another term in office
By JARED MILLER
Candidate
It has been an honor serving as Wakulla County’s Sheriff since 2017. I believe in earning your trust every day through tangible results. Alongside the dedicated team at the Wakulla Sheriff’s Office, we’ve achieved significant milestones, and I’m proud to share these outcomes with you. I am humbly seeking your support for my re-election on Aug. 20.
Delivering Results: Under my leadership, the percentage of crimes solved has soared from 27.5% to an impressive 83.9% – the 3rd highest clearance rate in Florida! Crime is also significantly lower. The rate at which crimes were committed in Wakulla County has been cut in half since I took office, reflecting our commitment to a holistic approach to community safety.
Accreditation in law enforcement promotes professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement. This ultimately leads to better service delivery to our citizens. I led the original initiative for WCSO to become accredited in 2000. Since taking office, I have continued this commitment and with the dedicated WCSO team, have achieved the highest level of accreditation status every year.
I remember what it was like to make a living as a frontline Deputy. Because of that, I have fought at the state and local levels to increase pay for my team. This has successfully resulted in nearly doubling the starting salary, valuing their dedication and service.
I am the founder and managing Sheriff of the Northstar Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task
Force, established in 2019 to eliminate illegal drugs from Wakulla County and surrounding areas. To date, this taskforce has made hundreds of arrests. Wakulla County is a “fiscally constrained” county which can make it difficult to have enough resources to keep up with the needs of our community. Leveraging my relationships with other Sheriffs in the area, I was able to address this need without wasting taxpayer money. We do MORE with LESS and don’t make excuses.
Innovative Programs:
- Established a new “Text to 911” program, for emergencies where speaking may not be possible.
- Launched the “Safe Virtual Neighborhood” app, offering free services to protect children from predators.
- Established programs like L.E.A.D (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) program, the WCSO Citizens Academy, and the Explorer program (where young adults can train and learn about the profession to determine if it is the right career track for them), to foster transparency and community engagement.
- Revived the Teen Driver Challenge to empower youth and promote safe driving.
Investing in Technology: - Obtained two new, fully equipped crime scene vans and access to state-of-the-art technology. I make sure that the Criminal Investigations Division receives extensive training on the most up-to-date crime solving techniques, allowing for the adoption of best practices.
- Adopted a new biometric identification system for inmates and sexual offenders.
- Deployed a new software system – Raptor – to promote safety in our schools.
- Implemented the use of Body Cams to promote transparency and improve the safety of our Deputies.
Community Leadership: With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience in Wakulla County and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, I am deeply committed to our community’s safety and well-being. I graduated as an Honor Graduate from the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement and Corrections Academy, attended the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Chief Executive Class, and the National Institute of Corrections in Longmont, Colorado. I served in the United States Army National Guard from 1989 to 2000. I was selected to serve on the Florida Sheriff’s Association and then the Florida Sheriffs Employee Benefit Trust/Risk Management Board of Directors, representing Sheriffs statewide. I am a Past Commissioner on the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC) and a member of the Florida Model Jail Standards Committee (FMJS). I am a regular speaker/instructor for the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy and have been inducted into the Tallahassee Community College Heroes in Public Safety Hall of Fame.
Commitment Beyond Law Enforcement: I have always believed that a safe community begins with strong community engagement. I have supported numerous community and civic organizations for decades. I currently serve on the United Way of the Big Bend Board of Directors, the Big Bend Hospice Board of Directors, the Wakulla Rotary International Club, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Wakulla 4-H Advisory Council. I am very involved in the Special Olympics and the annual Torch Run. I have served on the Florida Wild Mammal Association Board of Directors, the Wakulla County School District Planning Advisory Committee, Goodwill of the Big Bend Board of Directors, the Wakulla Diamond Club, the Wakulla Gridiron, the Wakulla Public Safety Coordinating Council, the Wakulla Academic Boosters, and the Keiser University School of Criminal Justice Committee, among other organizations.
I am honored to have your trust and support. Together, let’s continue building a safe, healthy, and resilient Wakulla County. Please vote to re-elect Jared Miller for Sheriff on Aug. 20.
