Earnell Lucas, who announced his bid for Milwaukee County sheriff earlier this year, said Wednesday that fixing problems at the sheriff-operated country jail would be his top priority if elected.
The jail, run by Sheriff David Clarke, currently faces multiple investigations. Four people, including an infant, died at the jail last year. Another inmate has sued over being shackled while giving birth.
“It will be something that I will come in and right away add leadership to the Milwaukee County sheriff’s jail,” Lucas said during remarks at the Milwaukee Press Club. “I will certainly get the right people, who are doing the right job, for the right reason and hold them accountable.”
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Lucas expected to challenge Clarke in the 2018 Democratic primary, but last month Clarke announced he would be resigning to accept a position with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security officials have not confirmed that appointment.
Lucas said the position of sheriff is about how county resident can be served better.
“It’s about the people of Milwaukee county,” he said. “That’s the commitment that I intend to bring every day that I am Milwaukee County Sheriff, to not become bigger than the office itself.”
Lucas said his reason to run was not about a person or a political party. Although, he does plan to run as a Democrat.
Lucas is a former captain at the Milwaukee Police Department, he left in 2002 to became vice president of security and facility management for Major League Baseball, a position he still holds.
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