WASHINGTON CO. SHERIFF OTTO HANAK ANNOUNCES BID FOR RE-ELECTION
Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak has announced he will seek re-election in 2020.
Hanak said in his announcement he believes his experience and training over the past 40 years in law enforcement and corrections has allowed him to manage those functions in a “fiscally responsible and professional manner”.
Hanak, who was sworn in January 1, 2013 as the 27th Sheriff of Washington County, said it has been his goal to move the Sheriff’s Office in a positive direction year after year. He acknowledged that, while many things have been accomplished, there is still more work to be done to “protect the lives, rights, privileges and property of our citizens”.
Hanak said it is extremely difficult to maintain stability in the uniform ranks, mostly due to the hardships of obtaining and keeping quality officers. He said he has, and will continue to, provide Washington County Commissioners with everything necessary to allow them to make salary decisions to keep quality employees.
In his announcement, Hanak said visibility is a core component of reducing criminal activity, and he has instituted policies that allow for high visibility of deputies in neighborhoods, secondary roadways, in and around schools, and at rural businesses. He also credited staff for the work they do at the Washington County Jail, which has passed seven straight annual jail inspections from the Texas Jail Commission.
Hanak’s second full four-year term will expire December 31, 2020. The primary election is set for March 3rd, 2020.
Full Release from Sheriff Otto Hanak:
Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak has announced his intention to seek re-election in 2020 to the office of Sheriff. On January 1, 2013, Hanak was sworn in as the 27th Sheriff of Washington County and his second full term will expire on December 31, 2020. Sheriff Hanak believes his experience and training for the past 40 years in law enforcement and corrections has allowed him to manage those functions in a fiscally responsible and professional manner. It has been his goal to move the Washington County Sheriff's Office in a positive direction year after year. When first elected, he and his staff of over 60 focused on accomplishing specific goals and objectives and even though most have been fulfilled, he still believes there is more work to be done to protect the lives, rights, privileges and property of our citizens.
In today’s times, it has become difficult, if not impossible, to maintain stability in the uniform ranks mainly due to the salary competitions to obtain and retain quality law enforcement officers. Sheriff Hanak has and will continue to provide the Commissioner’s Court with data to allow them to make critical salary decisions in efforts to retain quality employees.
During his time in office, Sheriff Hanak instituted policies that allow for high visibility of his deputies in our neighborhoods, secondary roadways, in and around our schools, and at our rural businesses. Visibility, according to Sheriff Hanak is a key component to the reduction of criminal activity as well as providing comfort for our citizens. His deputies spend countless hours patrolling our 600 square mile county while always being vigilant for criminal behavior and taking appropriate action when suspicion arises or when actual crimes occur. His office has continually supported and assisted with the efforts of the Citizens on Patrol program and our county has benefited tremendously by their assistance and visibility.
The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) staff has managed to stay just ahead of the criminal element by professionally developing suspects, processing evidence, and presenting evidence for successful prosecution. The CID staff continues to work with local and state law enforcement officers and departments in an effort to share critical information and assist when needed.
Sheriff Hanak is proud of his building maintenance staff and program that keeps the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Jail operating 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. He is pleased to say that the maintenance staff of 2-3 has saved the county thousands upon thousands of tax dollars each year by completing work themselves and with inmate labor.
The Sheriff’s office and jail, which began occupation in 1993, continues to operate efficiently each year and with continued proper care and preventative maintenance, the jail should last another 20 years. For 7 years in a row, the Washington County jail, which averages over 85 inmates per day, has passed the vigorous jail inspections conducted by the Texas Jail Commission, which is a credit to the staff.
Sheriff Hanak’s law enforcement experiences, consisted of being a Texas Prison Corrections officer for over 3 years, a Texas State Trooper for 13 years, a Texas Ranger for 15 years, with the last 13 years assigned to Washington County, an Investigator with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for 3 years, and lastly the Sheriff of Washington County for over 6 years. His law enforcement service to Washington County citizens alone surpasses 22 consecutive years. Sheriff Hanak has accumulated over 4700 hours of training in law enforcement, corrections, leadership and supervision, jail management, criminal investigation, as well as having decades of “hands on” law enforcement experience that is most vital in today’s world. His goals will continue to be utilizing tax dollars wisely and appropriately and to be certain that his experiences and training of over 40 consecutive years are dedicated to secure the safety, security, and comfort of the citizens of Washington County. He believes the Washington County Sheriff's Office has risen to a higher level each year related to the services provided and looks forward to even better things to come.
Lastly, Sheriff Hanak is eager to continue his service to the citizens and visitors of Washington County for another 4 year term, with the primary election set for March 3, 2020.