Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall is seeking a fifth term as sheriff.
A Democrat, Hall announced last week that he is preparing to run in the May 1 primary. The general election is Aug. 2.
First elected sheriff in 2002, the Nashville native is currently serving his fourth consecutive four-year term. Before becoming sheriff, Hall was chief deputy for the sheriff’s department.
Earlier this year, Hall opposed efforts by Metro Council to pass sanctuary city bills. Proponents of the legislation wanted the sheriff’s department to get court-approved warrants to detain illegal immigrants who come into contact with law enforcement instead of simply following procedures set forth by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposed legislation was withdrawn because of public protest and the opinion of Metro’s law director, who said that under state law, the council can’t stop the sheriff from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
Hall has also drawn attention for his efforts to decriminalize mental illness. He oversaw the design of a behavioral care center that will sit next to the new downtown detention center. The center will be for people for whom it is deemed more beneficial to receive therapy than serve time in jail for misdemeanors. Both facilities are set for completion in 2019.
“It is a critical time in the criminal justice system here in Nashville,” Hall said in a news release. “Although much has been accomplished while I have served as sheriff, the next several years may prove to be the most important of all. I am excited about our future and ask the citizens of Nashville for the opportunity to continue my service.”
The news release said the sheriff’s department under Hall’s leadership has helped inmates break addictions and taught them lessons that help in finding jobs after they are released.
“These efforts have resulted in 32 percent fewer jail beds and millions less tax dollars spent,” the news release said.
Hall is seen as an expert in the field and has been interviewed by media outlets including Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, NPR, the New York Times, CNN and Fortune Magazine.
Despite his national profile, Hall turned down an opportunity to meet with President Trump in February while in Washington D.C., to attend the National Sheriffs’ Association’s winter conference. Hall is a member of the group’s executive committee.
