I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to the Office of Sheriff of Montgomery County, Maryland. It is my honor and privilege to serve as Sheriff in an office that has been in existence since 1777 and was the first nationally accredited Sheriff's Office in Maryland.

Under my leadership as the Sheriff for the past 3 1/2 years and Chief Deputy for the prior 12 years, the Sheriff's Office has grown into a modern judicial and law enforcement agency providing unique, specialized services to the county's residents as well as to the legal and law enforcement communities.

Under my leadership, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has transitioned into a law enforcement agency that fulfills our traditional role in serving legal process, protecting the courts, transporting prisoners, and apprehending fugitives while also providing responsive law enforcement service to the community. Our office developed a well-respected family law unit providing immediate law enforcement and social service intervention in volatile domestic violence situations. On May 18, 2009, the Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Montgomery County Council, County Executive, and State's Attorney, formally opened one of the first Family Justice Centers in the State of Maryland to provide one-stop service to victims of domestic violence. Over 5,000 clients have received services during the FJC's first few years of operation.

All Montgomery County Deputy Sheriffs have received entry level police training at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy and are certified as police officers by the Maryland Police Training Commission. The Sheriff's Office SWAT team, K-9 explosive detection teams, and hostage negotiators serve and protect the county in cooperation with the Montgomery County Police Department. Our deputies serve on major regional Federal, State and County law enforcement task forces, including the U.S. Marshal Service's Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), Police Department's Firearms Investigative Unit and Gang Investigation Section. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office is assigning a Deputy as a full-time School Resource Officer at a Montgomery County high school.

To learn more about my candidacy or to find out how you can participate in my election campaign, please explore this web site, visit Popkin for Montgomery County Sheriff 2014 on Facebook.com, email me at DarrenPopkin@DarrenPopkinForSheriff.com, or call 240-351-1323.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Sheriff for the past years and for your future support for my re-election as Montgomery County Sheriff.