Jody Guerra, a native of Levelland has continued to pursue his candidacy for the Hockley County Sheriff position for the upcoming general election set in March.
Guerra who is currently serving as a investigator for the 286th Judicial District for Hockley and Cochran County. Overall, the investigator has 27 years of law enforcement experience. He began his law enforcement journey in the 90s by attending the South Plains College Law Enforcement Academy. Shortly after graduation, Guerra joined the SPC Police ranks before spending 13 years between the Sundown Police Department and Levelland Police Department. Guerra also earned his Master Peace Officer License in 2016.
Running for sheriff in Hockley County is something Guerra has thought about pursuing in the future, but with current HCSO Ray Scifres announcing he would not be seeking a third term he saw the opportunity to file for the position. Even with 27 years under his belt, Guerra feels that he has plenty to offer the community and serve the people of Hockley County well.
With this current election cycle, there has been ongoing talks regarding the lack of deputies and covering 900 square miles more efficiently. Guerra has had discussions with county citizens and feels that the topic is going to be one of the biggest questions asked throughout the election along with the current state of the county jail.
“Addressing those issues is one of the bigger things I think citizens want to see addressed,” said Guerra. “Given the opportunity to come into the position, it is going to be important to absorb everything and diagnose the top priorities that need to be handled. Also, there has to be a process to get things accomplished. Nothing can happen overnight and we have to sit down and really take into account the big picture as there are several key areas the sheriff is responsible for.”
Guerra praised Scifres for the work he has accomplished during his time as sheriff and hopes to build upon what has already been established. Relying on his experience and passion for the community, Guerra explained that he has been in the area schools, patrolled community streets and done investigations to limit criminal traffic.
“I truly feel that I am well rounded to take on an opportunity of representing Hockley County and protecting its citizens,” said Guerra. “I have been a part of great law enforcement agencies and have had the opportunity to learn and grow. There is always something to learn when it comes to this profession, but I am not afraid of taking on that responsibility to ensure the job is done correctly.”
In tandem working for Hockley County in the 286th, Guerra feels that he has had the opportunity to see how some of the current sheriff’s department operates.
“I get to see the cases those guys are working on in the criminal side of things and they are putting together fabulous cases that are in turn getting positive results,” said Guerra.
In attempts to establish positive change if elected, Guerra added that much of the discussion has been centered around senate bills that have been passed through Texas legislation.
Guerra explained that like any department dealing with state funding opportunities, it can be there and it cannot.
“Those senate bills don’t necessarily mean that funding will be funneled into one aspect of the department such as funding,” explained Guerra. “There may be situations where we have to work with what we have. I’d like to think if there was a solution it would already be found and executed either in another county similar to ours or in our county.”
Taking into account the many hats and responsibilities a sheriff is required to wear, Guerra is eager to aid the department in getting the job done.
“Sheriff Scifres has done a remarkable job handling all the aspects of the job that comes with the title,” said Guerra. “This position would not be just another in my belt, but the opportunity to focus on helping our county thrive. It is an exciting opportunity to be a part of.”
If elected, Guerra hopes to build on the relationships that have already been established with the personnel in the sheriff’s department.