For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009
Contact: Roger Salazar
(916) 444-8897

SACRAMENTO – Captain Jim Cooper was joined by Sacramento-area elected officials and his supporters today as he announced the end of his exploratory phase and the beginning of his official candidacy for Sheriff of Sacramento County in 2010.

"Over the past few months, I have been talking to my neighbors across Sacramento County about the issues they are facing, especially when it comes to public safety. One thing I’ve heard over and over again is that it's time for a new direction in the Sheriff's Department," said Cooper. "As a result of the many conversations I've had with local leaders, supporters and my neighbors, I am ending the exploratory phase of my campaign and officially declaring my candidacy for Sheriff of Sacramento County."

A decorated Sheriff’s Deputy and elected community leader, Cooper said that the Department is in need of a shift in leadership- someone who will make better choices for the Department during tough economic times while maintaining the safety and security of the community as Sacramento County’s #1 priority.

He explained that nine of his 25 years in law enforcement were spent undercover taking down gangs and drug dealers and that he was honored with a Bronze Star for Bravery. Currently, Cooper is leading the High-Tech Crimes Task Force, cracking down on Internet predators that target children online.

Cooper was immediately endorsed by a broad cross-section of law enforcement officers, elected community leaders and residents of Sacramento County, including former Sheriff Lou Blanas; Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee; Mayors Steve Miklos of Folsom and Christopher Cabaldon of West Sacramento; City Councilmembers Gary Davis and Sophia Scherman of Elk Grove, Ray Trethaway of Sacramento, and Andrew Meredith of Galt; and many current and former Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies. (See attached endorsement list for initial endorsers.)

"I will fight with a passion to ensure our citizens are safe," said Cooper. "Some say it's time for a Sheriff with 'street' experience, while others say it's time for a sound fiscal manager who can make the right budget choices during these tough economic times. I say it's time for both," continued Cooper.

Cooper has served the people of Sacramento County in the Sheriff’s Department for more than 25 years.

He is currently Commander of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crime’s Task Force investigating Internet crimes against children and identity theft.

Cooper also serves as a founding Councilmember for the City of Elk Grove. As Elk Grove's first Mayor, Cooper set the tone for how the City conducts business today, with transparency, accessibility, regional partnership and public engagement as the cornerstones for a successful government.

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