The questions that are asked to sheriff candidates are usually related to their experience and their knowledge about the position. The interviewers want to know whether the candidate is qualified for the position.
- What are your qualifications to be sheriff?
- What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?
- Why are you the best person for the job?
- What do you believe is the most important ability to be a leader?
- What kind of leadership will you bring to the sheriff’s office?
- What do you think is the number one thing that needs to change at the sheriff’s department and how would you change it?
- How would you address the rise in crime?
- What role should the sheriff’s department play in addressing [particular issue]?
- What will you do to improve transparency from the sheriff’s department?
Some tougher questions that are asked to candidates for sheriff:
- What is your opinion on the use of force?
- How would you improve how the department deals with people with mental illnesses?
- What would you do if you had to arrest one of your deputies?
- What is your experience with firearms?
- Why do you want to become sheriff?
These types of questions may be asked for newspaper and local media interviews, and even by voters at events on the campaign trail. Answering the public’s queries during a campaign is one of the most challenging duties.
As a result, candidates spend a lot of time putting together answers that may sound off the cuff, but are actually well rehearsed.
Having answers prepared in advance makes it easier to interact with voters the the press. In many ways, the same principle can be compared to preparation for a debate. Having answers already determined can help you feel more confident and less stressed when the time comes to provide answers.