Sebastian County Sheriff Candidates Take Part in “A Closer Look” Q&A

Wyatt McIntyre

I have almost 25 years of law enforcement experience. Over 23 years were with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office. I have been the Chief Of Police for the Mansfield Police Department since December 9^th 2024.  I hold a General Certification.

John Miller

I started my career with the Greenwood Police Department in 1997 as a reserve officer. In 1998, I started as a part time officer, moving to a full-time position in 1999. In 2001, I had the privilege to be offered a job with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office in the Patrol Division. During my almost 25 years with the Sheriff’s Office, I have held multiple ranks in multiple divisions, with my highest rank being Chief Deputy. I currently also hold a Senior Certification in Law Enforcement.

Wyatt McIntyre

I spent a good amount of my career working inside the Adult Detention Center. I began my career there July 21^st 2001. I worked my way up to the rank of Sergeant which I held for about 3 years before going to the Patrol Division. After spending almost 10 years in the Patrol Division, I returned to the Detention Center. I was the Director of Inmate Management for a very short time then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. My official title was Assistant Jail Administrator. I held that position for around 8 years. An issue I have seen in the jail and a question I have posed to many of my staff was “How do you make/teach someone to care?”  Working in the confines of a Detention Center can make someone a very cynical and lackadaisical person. How do we keep a person engaged and caring enough to do the job well on a daily basis. I want to see if we can figure that out. I want the staff to care enough about the inmates and themselves to work on a way to ensure they are staying vigilant in their duties, alert to not only themselves but the mundane daily ongoings that may not be so mundane, and I want them working on their physical AND mental health.

John Miller

In 2011, I was offered a position in the jail as the Director of Inmate Management. To explain, the DIM is responsible for managing the population of the detention center working in close coordination with the Courts. With the help of the courts and contacts throughout the state, managing the population is possible. In 2015, I was promoted to Jail Administrator which is the position that I held until 2018. The largest issue currently plaguing the detention center is the mental health crisis, affecting Sebastian County and the entire country. The best avenue for the future of our jail is to maintain the relationships that are needed to manage the detention center and its population regardless of an inmate’s current status.

Wyatt McIntyre

While I have not directly managed a full organizational budget, I have participated in budget meetings and gained insight into how funds are allocated, how priorities are set, and how difficult financial tradeoffs are made. What I learned most is that budgeting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about aligning spending with mission and accountability to taxpayers. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and making decisions based on data. I am committed to continuing to learn and to working closely with experienced financial professionals to ensure we use public funds wisely.

John Miller

A major part of being Sheriff is the financial responsibility to the taxpayers of the county. As a member of the department, regardless of position, it is our responsibility to be efficient and transparent regarding the budget. As the prior Jail Administrator and as the current Chief Deputy, I have been closely involved with the preparations and administration of the yearly budget process. From a deputy taking care of their equipment to making reasonable purchases on capital that do not put an undue drain on the budget, each decision has important ramifications on the overall health of the department. The Sheriff’s Office currently administers a $17 million dollar budget to operate each division under the Sheriff’s control.

Wyatt McIntyre

If a judge orders someone to remain in custody, it is my responsibility as sheriff to follow that order. However, incarceration should never mean neglecting a person’s mental health needs. When it is clear an individual requires treatment, I would ensure they are evaluated quickly by qualified mental health professionals and receive appropriate care while in custody. We would work closely with our contracted mental health providers, local mental health agencies, and the courts to pursue every lawful option available, whether that involves treatment within the facility, transfer to a mental health treatment center when legally permitted, or providing the court with updated medical information so other options can be considered. Safety will always be a priority for the individual, staff, and the public. At the same time, we must treat people humanely and responsibly. That requires protocols, strong medical oversight, and thorough documentation. My administration would ensure that communication with the court is consistent and transparent, so judges are fully informed about an inmate’s condition and needs. Mental health remains one of the most significant challenges facing detention centers today. Leadership means being proactive, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring accountability so we protect both the public and the well-being of those in our care.

John Miller

As previously mentioned, mental health is a true crisis in corrections. Working with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other stakeholders, we can successfully navigate the issue. Since transferring back to the jail in 2024, after the previous administration left, we have re-instituted policy and procedures while adding additional safeguards and oversight for mental health.  

Wyatt McIntyre

I believe in leading by inspiration, not intimidation. I believe that when we give someone the tools, training, resources, and the knowing that they are backed by their administration, they will want to do a better job not only for the administration but for the community. And often times leading by inspiration is having to be willing to make tough decisions, hold others accountable, and set the standard through integrity, courage, and service to the community. Neither me nor my staff will serve the community from behind our desks. As often as I can I want to be engaging with the community. Me or a designee will be talking to city governments, attending city council meetings, or meeting with mayors to corroborate and see how we can work together to make our community better.

John Miller

I am a proud resident of Sebastian County being born and raised here and graduating from Southside High School. I have spent my entire law enforcement career serving the citizens of this great county. Through my training and experience, I believe that I am the clear option. Transparency, integrity, accountability, a strong work ethic, and responsibility set me apart from others. I have worked continuously with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department for almost 25 years.  In that time I have learned to follow, to lead, and to command when necessary, knowing full well that sometimes the right thing is not always the most popular. I am, without question. ready and willing to take the helm of the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office.