Jeffrey Gahler

Jeffrey R. Gahler is the incumbent Republican Sheriff of Harford County, Maryland, first elected in 2014. With over 40 years of law enforcement experience, including 28 years with the Maryland State Police, he has led initiatives such as implementing body-worn cameras and expanding school resource officer programs. His candidacy is notable for endorsements from the Harford County Deputy Sheriff’s Union and the Fraternal Order of Police Maryland State Lodge. (harfordsheriff.org)

Jeffrey R. Gahler

Born: 1965

Hometown: Elkton, Maryland

Profession: Law Enforcement Officer

Education: {“degree”=>”Associate of Arts”, “field”=>”Criminal Justice”, “institution”=>”Harford Community College”, “year”=>2004}, {“degree”=>”Bachelor of Science”, “field”=>”Leadership and Management”, “institution”=>”The Johns Hopkins University”, “year”=>2006}, {“degree”=>”Master of Science”, “field”=>”Management”, “institution”=>”The Johns Hopkins University”, “year”=>2007}

Prior offices: {“office”=>”Sheriff”, “jurisdiction”=>”Harford County, Maryland”, “start_year”=>2014, “party”=>”Republican”}, {“office”=>”Chair”, “jurisdiction”=>”Police Commission, Harford County”, “start_year”=>2014}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Harford County”, “start_year”=>2014}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council [Mental Health & Addictions Advisory Council], Harford County”, “start_year”=>2014}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Economic Development Advisory Board, Harford County”, “start_year”=>2014}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Local Management Board, Harford County”, “start_year”=>2014}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Traffic and Highway Safety Advisory Board, Harford County”, “start_year”=>2017}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission”, “start_year”=>2017, “end_year”=>2019}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Correctional Training Commission”, “start_year”=>2019, “end_year”=>2020}, {“office”=>”Member”, “jurisdiction”=>”Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission”, “start_year”=>2019, “end_year”=>2020}, {“office”=>”President”, “jurisdiction”=>”Maryland Sheriffs’ Association”, “start_year”=>2019, “end_year”=>2020}

Crime Reduction: Sheriff Gahler emphasizes collaboration with deputies, elected officials, and community partners to achieve record declines in both violent and property crimes in Harford County.

Opioid Epidemic and Substance Abuse: Sheriff Gahler advocates for nontraditional law enforcement approaches to address serious issues like the opioid epidemic and substance abuse.

Immigration Enforcement: Under Sheriff Gahler’s leadership, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office joined ICE’s 287(g) program in 2016, allowing deputies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.

Community Engagement: Sheriff Gahler emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in achieving public safety goals.

Law Enforcement Training and Education: Sheriff Gahler is a strong advocate for continual self-improvement and education within law enforcement.