Todd Risberg’s letter to the editor (Herald, Oct. 12) was an eye opener as to how our La Plata County Sheriff’s Office has slipped backwards, as the sheriff has failed to modernize his department for the greater benefit of victims, the guilty and not guilty.

My uncle was a town marshal for years, and one of my closest friends is a retired New Mexico state policeman. But that was more than 20 years ago.

Times have changed dramatically with technological advancements that allow our law enforcement to gather and disseminate more accurate facts in the administration of justice.

I witnessed firsthand Sean Smith’s exemplary, mature professionalism during an incident in our subdivision.

Technology will continue to advance, and we need a sheriff who has the expertise to properly utilize its significant advantages, which allow our prosecutors, defenders, juries and judges to find the truth.

Sean Smith has my vote and confidence that he will go forward and not allow our sheriff’s office to slip further backwards.

Kellus Sewell

Durango