Paid for by Friends of Kevin Christie

A life-long native of Chester County, Kevin Christie spent 27 years as a member of Pennsylvania State Police, recently retiring with the rank of sergeant.

Chester County needs a sheriff with the kind of real-world law enforcement experience that Sergeant Christie has to offer. With new threats of terrorism and crime seemingly emerging daily, can we really trust our safety to yesterday’s solutions?

The sheriffs department under my direction will utilize technology to its advantage.  The advent of AFIS automated fingerprint identification system has revolutionized the apprehension of fugitives and is widely used throughout the state.

I intend to help the county take that a step forward by enhancing our systems with a program known as biometrics.  This computer enhanced system will utilize facial structures to identify known or suspected criminals. It uses facial recognition technology. It is already in use in some border crossing points.  With the soon-to-open Criminal Justice Center and the security cameras which should be in place, it makes sense to give us an added blanket of protection and apprehension ability.

In attempting to deal with issues surrounding our young adults, I see the sheriffs department being in a position to utilize Life Skills Training for school age children.

In essence this system will be replacing much of the DARE program which is failing throughout our school systems.  It should be noted that the DARE program targets 5th grade students.

The success rate of DARE is questionable since the early targeted student receives no follow up.

This program developed by Columbia University and promoted by the National Health Association has been adopted by three Chester County School Districts this year, West Chester, Tredyffrin- Easttown and Phoenixville.

The message of this program is to promote health and personal development.  This is for Elementary, Middle and High School Students.  This teaches personal and social skills in combination with drug resistance skills and normative education.

The lessons are taught by teachers, guidance, phys ed and law enforcement officers.   Chester County’s COAD unit is geared and ready  to provide training to School districts and law enforcement.

Under my supervision, the sheriff’s department would move forward and in most instances, pioneer the program.