One of the candidates for Canadian County Sheriff is shaking things up with his outspoken opposition to one of the current sheriff’s favorite programs, civil asset forfeiture.
Joshua Moore is a former Patrol Sergeant who resigned to seek election
“I believe it is time to elect a Constitutional Sheriff. A Sheriff who will uphold the law, but has the courage to stand up for the
citizens of Canadian County and protect them from an overreaching federal government. This can be done by using the powers afforded by the tenth amendment to nullify any laws, which are unconstitutional.”
Moore knows his stance on civil asset forfeiture won’t be popular with the current administration of the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office or many other law enforcement agencies.
“I believe the way that civil asset forfeiture is currently handled, in the State of Oklahoma, may very well violate the fourth amendment protections, afforded by the constitution, against unlawful seizure. I stand with Senator Kyle Loveless and his proposal to change this law. The biggest change to this law is that charges have to be presented within thirty days in order to seize money or property. Why should Joe citizen have to prove the money or property taken was legally his? Shouldn’t the burden of proof be on the government?”
Moore believes that the protection of deputies is paramount and that law enforcement needs to utilize new tools and technology for crime prevention and enforcement. However, he does not believe in the militarization of the Sheriff’s Office or the “strings” that are attached to federal government grants. Moore will continue to make sure the Deputies have adequate protection but does not believe that protection should come with “perpetual compliance with the Federal government”.
“When I’m sworn into office, one of my first actions as Sheriff of this great county,
will be returning the MRAP.”
Running on the Republican ticket, Moore identifies himself as a fiscally responsible
constitutional conservative. He previously ran as an independent against incumbent Sheriff Randall Edwards and carried 34% (15,247) of the votes in the general election.
Moore believes he received the “informed voter” vote in 2012, citing his high numbers as an independent. He believes voters didn’t just “check a box” for an independent as they would with a Democrat or Republican.
Moore believes the Sheriff’s budget continues to careen out of control, citing that the Canadian County Sheriffs Office currently uses close to 40% of the county general budget when that number should be well under 30%.
“When I’m elected I will reduce the Sheriff’s Office budget
over the first four years as much as possible, without sacrificing safety or services to the citizens of this fine county. My goal will be to get it back to the 25% range before the end of my second term. And no, I am not a politician, that’s why I will not run but two terms.”
Moore worked for Canadian County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 13 years. He has worked in several divisions of the Sheriff’s Office including the jail, patrol division, and investigations. He also spent a year in Iraq where he worked alongside the fine men and women of the United States Military, as an International Police Advisor, in the mentoring, training, and advising of the Iraqi Police. Moore and his wife currently own and operate J&S Solutions, LLC, a general contracting business specializing in roofing and exterior. They reside in El Reno with their two teenage children, Jacob and Josalyn.
Good Luck Mr. Moore!
We need more like Mr. Moore running! If he would constructively use the knowledge he’s gained over the last 13 years with CCSO in helping his constituents – that would be great!