Biography
Name: Maria Guadalupe Dempsey
Age: 54
Occupation: Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge & Group Supervisor
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Office of Investigations
Website: Mariaguadalupedempsey4sheriff.com
Residence: Lower Valley/Mission Valley
Relevant Experience:
32 Years Federal Law Enforcement Service / Held Top Secret Clearance
20 Years Law Enforcement Officer / with 10 Years in Management
1st Hispanic Female Supervisor & Assistant Special Agent in Charge-ICE El Paso
Experience in Anti Terrorism & Anti Drug Smuggling
Experience in International Border Security & Intelligence Collection
Experience in Emergency Preparedness & Continuity of Operations
Trainer – International Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Trained Foreign Governments & Private Industry – International Security- Honduras, Colombia, Perœ & Mexico
1st Hispanic Female Instructor, ICE National Academy (Investigations)
Assisted during Los Angeles Riots 1992
Community Outreach Coordinator/Adopt A School Program – 10 years
Experience in community service and customer service
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award – American Legion
Outstanding Citizen Award – Mayor of the City of El Paso
U.S. Customs Hero of the Week Award
EPISD Volunteer of the Year Award – Drop Out Prevention
Founding Member – U.S. Department of Homeland Security March 2003
Graduated from Jefferson High School; Member of ROTC
U.S. Air Force Special Operations School – Cross Cultural Communications
Bachelors Degree - University of Nevada at Las Vegas
Masters Degree in Management
Issues:
1. What role would you direct the SheriffÕs Department to take with immigration enforcement?
I will continue to improve the policy of approaching citizens of this County in a manner where they feel trust and confidence toward officers. Under my leadership, SheriffÕs officers will approach and treat citizens with the respect each and every one of us deserves. I understand the feeling of degradation, humiliation and embarrassment that one feels when mistreated by those sworn to protect us. As your Sheriff, I will not tolerate anybodyÕs civil rights to be violated. I will emphasize security, strength and support for the citizens of this County.
I have experience in combating immigration related crimes, such as human trafficking, alien smuggling and the exploitation of undocumented immigrants. I have personally participated in the rescue of victims of human trafficking. Victims of human trafficking are held against their will and are kept for ransom, forced labor, slavery or sexual exploitation. By law, all victims deserve assistance and protection regardless of their immigration status.
2. What is your position on consolidation of police and sheriff? If you support it, what specific steps will you commit to?
I will study and develop cost-saving methods of operation to streamline divisions within the Department in an effort to eliminate duplication of services. I will implement a three-year plan for the smooth transition of any policy changes. I embrace the concept of creating one large El Paso County Metropolitan Police Department by merging local law enforcement agencies, as I am confident this merger will save tax dollars. I will empower the citizens of the County and all local law enforcement officers by first asking for their input in certain decisions. I will develop a three-year plan for the smooth transition of any policy changes.
3. What is your position on privatizing prisons in general, and El PasoÕs in specific?
I will first review internal policies and implement new ideas for a more efficient and effective management of the El Paso County Detention Facility prior to making a statement on the privatization of jails. I will first conduct extensive research to help me determine whether this would be feasible in El Paso. I will expedite the processing time for booking individuals and for the release of those who post bond. I see no need for anyone to have to wait eight to twelve hours to be released on bond. I also see no need for both federal and local law enforcement officers to have to remain at the jail for several hours while their prisoners are being processed and booked. Our patrol officers and investigators need to return to their law enforcement duties as soon as possible.
4. What is your position on the new state law that allows officers the discretion to write a ticket for possession of marijuana under 4 ounces? Should such discretion be exercised in El Paso?
As Sheriff, my role is to enforce all laws set forth by the people. I will enforce this law. I have experience in federal policy concerning fines for possession of personal use of marijuana. In the federal system, a person caught in possession of personal use amounts of marihuana is assessed an administrative fine of $500, to be paid within 30 days. If the $500 fine is not paid within 30 days, the fine automatically increases to $5,000. This information is interfaced with Department of Treasury computers and if the person is owed an IRS tax refund, it may be automatically sent to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security instead. I believe this new law will eliminate some jail overcrowding.
5. Do you support citizen review committees? If so, what powers or authority do you support?
Absolutely. I will bring back Citizen Advisory Boards made up of members of the citizens of this county and personally meet with them. El Paso County, which encompasses Fort Bliss, is comprised of a very diverse community. This diverse community continues to grow in a forward-moving pace none of us have seen before. People from all over the world enter the United States through our Ports of Entry. I will implement training programs, to be conducted by experts, on cross-cultural communication and cultural sensitivity. I will also encourage the involvement of young people in community outreach programs, mentoring and role model programs. I want to give young people a positive outlook on life.
6. How would you balance using confiscated funds to bolster the budget and the potential to abuse confiscation to bolster the budget? What controls are or should be in place?
I have personal experience in federal asset forfeiture laws. All law enforcement agencies participate in asset forfeiture as part of the Òwar on drugsÓ. Federal agencies have the mission of disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations and enlist the assistance of local law enforcement agencies to stem the tide of narcotics coming into the country. These agencies use the important tool of asset sharing of seized assets with local agencies. I will continue that relationship of asset sharing with federal agencies to obtain additional federal revenue. I commit that I will not allow civil asset forfeiture laws to be used in unjust ways or deprive innocent citizens of their property without basic due process.
7. What is the current relationship between the union and the command? What should the relationship be?
It is my understanding that the union and the command at the SheriffÕs Department have a good working relationship. I plan to continue that good working relationship by keeping open the lines of communication.
8.What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the department?
As stated above, I will continue to improve the policy of approaching citizens of this County in a manner where they feel trust and confidence toward officers. I will run a SheriffÕs Department that remembers they work for the people and not feared by the people when they need assistance. I will be tough on crime. I have personally placed my life on the line for the protection of our children and grandchildren. I volunteered for overseas assignments in countries that have requested aid and assistance from the United States, including Honduras, Colombia, Perœ and Mexico. In todayÕs constantly changing environment, there is always room for improvement and for the implementation of an even more efficient and effective SheriffÕs Department. I plan to continue the DepartmentÕs current standards of accreditation status by providing to the citizens of El Paso County the highest levels of integrity, respect and protection for our citizens.
mariagd@mariaguadalupedempsey4sheriff.com