Freddy Mares
For Uvalde County Sheriff
I’m running for Uvalde County Sheriff in 2024. I believe in transparent and trustworthy law enforcement, where everyone’s voices are heard and concerns addressed. I promise responsible and ethical policing, building trust between law enforcement and the community for safer neighborhoods. I value honor, integrity, and professionalism in law enforcement. Please support and vote for me, and let’s work together for a safer and prosperous Uvalde County.
IMPORTANT DATES
Early Voting: Feb. 20 – March 1
SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center
Election Day: March 5
ABOUT FREDDY
Freddy Mares, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement, has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Police Science from Sam Houston State University.
Freddy is married and has four children with Jennifer Mares, a small business owner near Concan and a Real Estate Agent.
Freddy’s work experience includes 20 years with the Houston Police Department, where he played an integral role in several “high profile” investigations. After retiring from the Houston Police Department in 2014, he moved to Uvalde County, where he began working with the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently with the University of Texas System, assigned to the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Police Department.
PHOTOS
Vision, Issues, & Values
Community Policing
It is essential for the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office to establish trust within the community they serve by promoting accountability through Community Oriented Policing. To achieve this, the Sheriff’s Office will participate in community initiatives that foster partnerships and shared responsibilities. These include organizing county-sponsored social events throughout Uvalde County, participating in Holiday Toy Drives, and holding Police-Community Meetings.
Furthermore, we aim to establish a Law Enforcement Exploring Program, sponsored by the county, for young men and women who have completed the 6th grade through 20 years old. This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or a related field in the criminal justice system. The program provides practical experiences, training, competition, and other activities that offer a personal awareness of the criminal justice system. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism.
State and Federal Resources
Uvalde County faces a daily Border Crisis as Sheriff I will seek funding and assistance from State and Federal Resources. An attempt has been made to the Texas Governor’s Office to discuss a pilot program that involves designing a “choke station” for police chases. These chases often involve human smuggling of illegal aliens or illegal drug trafficking and usually pass through or in the direction of Uvalde.
A “choke station” uses sand-filled plastic jersey barriers placed strategically throughout the county. Law enforcement would deploy “spike strips” to neutralize the threat of individuals driving towards highly populated areas of the county. The primary aim of this concept is to preserve the sanctity of life for the citizens of Uvalde or the public traveling through Uvalde.
The second phase of this concept would include designing barriers to protect personal property, preventing the operators of these motor vehicles from damaging fencing located in and around these “choke stations”. Uvalde County will continue to work closely with the US Border Patrol when apprehending illegal aliens while traveling through the county. Additionally, Uvalde County will continue to house inmates in their facility and accept financial compensation for their housing.
Advisory Board
To establish trust and clarity with the citizens of Uvalde County, we propose creating a Community Advisory Board (CAB). This board will provide oversight for administrative disciplinary and meritorious actions taken by deputies and assist in selecting the most qualified applicants. The CAB’s responsibilities include:
- Reviewing investigations of death in custody, serious bodily injury, or other serious misconduct after completion and prior to the issuance of discipline and/or in response to a complainant’s request for review.
- Making discipline recommendations to the Chief Deputy and Sheriff for cases it reviews.
- Requesting a briefing from the Internal Affairs representative regarding the facts of a particular case under review.
- Advising the Chief Deputy and Sheriff on the effectiveness and appropriateness of UCSO policies and procedures concerning police officer misconduct, training, use of force, and community relations. The CAB will also assess the effectiveness of UCSO and suggest improvements.
- Reporting at least annually to the public on its activities and releasing advisory board reports to all interested parties and the public simultaneously.
Additionally, the CAB will conduct community engagement activities, including publicly posting all meeting agendas with subject matter, incident dates, and nature of the incident.
C.A.R.T.
One proposal is establishing the Combined Agency Response Team (CART), which can adapt tactically in high-risk situations. The CART aims to involve agencies from the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office, Uvalde Police Department, and Sabinal Police Department. The team will consist of six to eight law enforcement officers with specialized training in negotiation and precision marksmanship. These members will be held to a higher standard due to their training and commitment to the CART. The goal is for CART members to participate in bi-weekly training and apply that training during active high-risk situations, such as executing felony and violent misdemeanor warrants throughout Uvalde County.
News & Updates
Uvalde Meet & Greet
Join Freddy on Oct. 12 at Sunrise Restaurant from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Uvalde Meet & Greet
Join Freddy Mares on Oct. 13 at The Blinged Buck from 6 – 9 p.m. during Four Square Friday.
Concan Meet & Greet
Join Freddy Mares for a Meet and Greet event in Concan.
Utopia Meet & Greet
Join Freddy Mares for a Meet and Greet event in Utopia.
CONTACT FREDDY
EMAIL: questions@maresforsheriff.com
PHONE: (713 ) 410-8950