1. REDUCE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY BY UTILIZING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES.

Otto Hanak brings valuable resources to the Washington County Sheriff’s role that most law officers do not possess. Through his many years as a Texas Ranger, a Texas State Trooper and District Attorney Investigator, Hanak has built strong personal and business relationships with officials at State and Federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, F.B.I., Secret Service, and D.E.A., along with numerous police and sheriff's offices within the State and nationwide. The expertise and man-power of these agencies is a phone call away, with them offering personnel, crime labs, aircraft, dive teams, canine search teams, and other equipment for Washington County investigations. Hanak's professional working relationship with local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and others associated with the judicial system is of substantial benefit to our crime victims and citizens. 

2. IMPROVE THE TRAINING AND EXPERTISE OF PATROL OFFICERS, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS, JAILERS AND STAFF.

Otto Hanak brings unique knowledge to the Washington County Sheriff’s role, and he is eager to share his knowledge, training, and experience with our Sheriff's office personnel. His background as a Texas Ranger, Texas State Trooper, and as our District Attorney Investigator gives him highly-specialized skills and a unique insight for law enforcement. His contacts with numerous officers and agencies will enable our Sheriff's office employees to tap into existing training programs that are not available locally. Hanak plans to solicit experts from other agencies, departments, divisions, and offices to conduct specialized training sessions tailored to our County’s needs and requirements. Hanak also plans to pursue every opportunity to provide the most current and effective training for the employees to ensure their safety and the safety of our community.

3. MANAGE THE BUDGET WITH FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A TRANSPARENT AND GOAL-ORIENTED MANNER.

Otto Hanak brings a fresh new approach to the fiscal aspects of the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He plans to assess and document the current status of the office elected to serve, as well as establish new and improved goals for budget priorities. Priority attention will be given to: (1) taking care of our crime victims and County residents; (2) making sure deputies are on patrol when and where needed; and (3) provide the training and resources necessary to enhance performance of all Sheriff's office personnel. Each acquisition will be carefully weighed against these priorities. Results will be measured, evaluated and reported for transparent accountability.

4. FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND GIVE OUR CITIZENS A VOICE.

Otto Hanak plans to establish informal, regular meetings with representatives of various County neighborhoods. These forums will bring the concerns and ideas of County leaders and residents directly to the Sheriff’s office for consideration in law enforcement practices, ideas and policies. Each area in the County has unique greatness as well as challenges and requirements, with each being weighed in County-wide decisions. Private property owners, business owners, week-enders, and other citizens will be invited to be present or to send representatives to these meetings.  Hanak intends to have an open door policy in relation to citizen questions, concerns, compliments, or complaints.

5. ELEVATE THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND CREDIBILITY OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.

With implementation of the above initiatives, this last goal will be achieved, almost automatically. Each improvement in utilization of resources, training, expertise, performance, budget, and in community involvement will strengthen the accountability, credibility, reliability, and confidence in our Washington County Sheriff's Office.