Wake sheriff candidates discuss immigration, staff shortages in public forum

In just a few months Wake County will elect a new sheriff.

For an hour both candidates made their pitch for sheriff, discussing how they would address immigration, safety and staffing shortages.

Residents piled in this sanctuary to hear from former sheriff Harrison and retired sheriff major Willie Rowe.

"Regarding 287(g), I will not reinstate the program," said Rowe. "Nor will I recognize detainees without a warrant signed by judicial officials."

"287(g) is being eliminated by our president. I will not open up one if I’m elected because it is not there anymore," said Harrison.

The candidates also took questions from residents in attendance. One area of concern was staffing levels within the sheriff's office.

"Yes, there is a shortage nationwide in hiring and retaining officers," said Rowe. "You have to improve working conditions. Improve morale and define a career pathway."

"Hiring people is something we are working on. It seems everyone is short working in Wake County," said Harrison. "We have reached out to veterans [and] community colleges."

The candidates were also asked how they would help communities where there is a language barrier, especially in the Latino Community.

"I will appoint a liaison to the community so everyone is treated fair and equally," said Rowe.

"You got to reach out to everybody," said Harrison. "We need to have people working in the Latino community just like anywhere else."

The two candidates have another forum scheduled on Sep. 22, only this one is private and will be held at a senior center.