BEXAR COUNTY SHERIFF AMADEO ORTIZ: SPEAKING SOFTLY, BUT CARRYING BIG STICK

Bexar County Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz protects the County’s residents quietly, but effectively it seems. A recent poll taken of Bexar County residents indicates that a solid majority feel safer in Bexar County since Ortiz took office. Many commented that they liked the Sheriff’s low key style and one commented that it was like the Truman analogy, “speak softly but carry a big stick”. Under Ortiz, high profile, very serious and complicated cases have been solved. Yet just as importantly, Ortiz’ knowledge and understanding of the majority culture of Bexar County, Chicanos (Mexican-Americans), has allowed him to do community outreach like no others before him and it is specifically that community that historically has needed the extra attention. The crime rate there has been disproportionately higher and any inroads that can be made, especially by a top law-enforcement official like Ortiz, can substantially and positively affect the crime rate in Bexar County in the long run.

CHICANO CHANNEL MAGAZINE