Rock Island County voters will decide next week who will lead the sheriff’s office. Democrat Marcus Herbert, a longtime deputy and former bomb‑squad commander, is running against Republican Jamie Shoemaker. Herbert’s campaign centers on his two decades of service, fiscal stewardship, and a community‑first approach to public safety.
Decades of Service and a Clear Purpose
Herbert has spent 21 years with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, rising through the ranks from deputy to bomb‑squad commander. “This is what I’m doing. This is what I need to do. This is my purpose, and I absolutely love this profession,” he told local media. He says he has knocked on more than 2,000 doors, listening to residents’ concerns about crime, mental‑health challenges, and substance‑abuse issues.
Position on Automated License‑Plate Readers
When asked about automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs), Herbert said he does not support their use at this time. “Maybe later on if legislation catches up and it’s legislation that the citizens of Rock Island County agree with and they approve of it, we can revisit it,” he explained, emphasizing that any future adoption must reflect voter consent.
Building on Existing Programs
Herbert plans to expand the GED and job‑training initiatives introduced by current Sheriff Darren Hart. He notes that his office has applied for a grant from the Safer Foundation to strengthen these programs, which he believes will help reduce recidivism by giving former inmates pathways to stable employment.
Addressing the SAFE‑T Act and Bail Reform
Herbert expressed concern about the 2023 SAFE‑T Act, which eliminated cash bail and altered pre‑trial detention decisions. He warned that some individuals who commit crimes are being released, reoffending, and returning to county facilities, often after violating ankle‑monitor conditions. He argues that a balanced approach is needed to protect public safety while respecting due process.
Fiscal Responsibility and Revenue Opportunities
Drawing on his budget experience, Herbert says he can offset costs by generating revenue through housing inmates from other jurisdictions, such as neighboring Scott County or the U.S. Marshals Service. “There are several ways to bring money into where it’s a savings for the taxpayers,” he said, positioning this as a pragmatic solution to fund essential services without raising taxes.
Community‑Focused Vision
Herbert’s platform ties public safety to community well‑being. He stresses the importance of addressing mental‑health and substance‑abuse issues as part of a comprehensive strategy to keep neighborhoods safe. By expanding training programs and seeking additional funding, he aims to create a safer Rock Island County while maintaining fiscal prudence.
Election Details
The sheriff’s race will appear on the November general‑election ballot. Voters can learn more about each candidate’s positions by attending local forums, reviewing campaign literature, or visiting the county clerk’s website for polling locations and voting hours.
As the election approaches, both candidates continue to engage directly with residents, underscoring the importance of informed voting in shaping the future of Rock Island County’s law‑enforcement leadership.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
