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Wayne Levins announces his candidacy for sheriff of Bryan County.

Levins grew up in Bryan County and graduated from Blue High School. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy. He served a four year tour of duty and received an honorable discharge. He then returned to California to attend college.

His education includes: Fullerton College Associated Arts Degree in Electronic Engineering (AAEE), California State University, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) Summa Cum Laude, and California State University, Northridge, Master of Public Administration (MPA), Summa Cum Laude. He joined the Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD) and later joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

“After approximately 26 years, I retired as a top step Sergeant II, on the promotion list to Lieutenant,” Levins said. “After my retirement in 2006, I returned home to Bryan County. I teach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and I am also a rancher. This is a large and beautiful county filled with family and friends. My primary mission as your sheriff, is to restore public service to the people of Bryan County. Community based policing involves mutual cooperation and communication with all county residents to identify and prioritize response to those problems you have identified within your community. Together we will set goals to achieve and plan the strategy necessary to alleviate those areas of concern. We will continuously review and revise our goals and strategies to meet and confront changing situations to ensure progress and success.”

Changes that Levins sees as necessary:

- Community based policing involves mutual cooperation and communication with all county residents to identify and prioritize response to those problems you have identified within your community. Together we will set goals to achieve, and plan the strategy necessary, to reach those goals and alleviate those areas of concern. We will continuously review and revise our goals and strategies to meet and confront changing situations to ensure progress and success. It is imperative to continue undeterred progress towards improving public service. We shall pursue this policy without placing our citizens in jeopardy and protect their identity at all costs.

- Complaint/Commendation system to hold the Department accountable to the people we serve. Levins will welcome feedback from the public as one of the best methods of improving service to Bryan County residents. Bryan County shall be partitioned into precincts related to population and crime statistics. Patrol Deputies shall be assigned to a specific precinct.

- Jail: Revise jail procedures to prevent negative incidents and warrant service through due diligence.

- Use of Force (UOF) incidents reported and reviewed after each occurrence to ensure compliance with UOF policy.

- Daily logs documenting deputy activities. It is imperative, especially for court purpose, that all public contacts and activities be documented on the deputy’s daily log. This is a key in the success for controlling the department’s assets.

- Vehicle pursuits throughout our county shall be strictly monitored and follow a written protocol focused on the safety of our residents, property, and the safety of the involved deputy.

- Deputies shall respond to all calls for service and conduct a thorough investigation.

- Detectives shall provide organized and directed field contacts which shall be completed by field deputies to ensure proper follow-up in the deputy’s area of responsibility.

- Telephonic reports: Deputies shall complete responsive follow-up investigations to ensure accuracy in reporting and provide in person service to all victims.

- Deputies shall issue a receipt for all property lawfully taken into custody during an investigation.

- Deputies shall work to form a close partnership with residents of Bryan County to address their concerns.