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Endorse Byron Roberson for Sheriff

Overland Park Police Chief (1995-2014)

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Lenexa Police Chief (1991-2012)

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Leawood Police Chief (1981-1998)

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Lenexa Police Chief (2012-2020)

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"Johnson County residents deserve a modern sheriff's office that matches the quality and innovation they enjoy from other local services. I'm grateful for the support of so many volunteers and other forward-thinking leaders. Together, we can turn the page on the last eight years of leadership at the sheriff's office."-Byron Roberson

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Byron Roberson for Johnson County Sheriff

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BS Criminal Justice, Jackson State University

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Supporting Byron Roberson for Sheriff

(1995-2014)

Overland Park Police Chief

John Douglass

(1991-2012)

Lenexa Police Chief

Ellen Hanson

Leawood Police Chief

Steve Cox

Tom Hongslo

Jackson County Sheriff

Darryl Forté

Lenexa Police Chief

Merriam Police Chief

Mission Police Chief

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<h2>Mental Health</h2>With the increasing number of mental health-related calls, it’s more important than ever to equip our law enforcement officers with training on crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Byron helped create the mental health co-responder program for his own department and believes in expanding its role with the sheriff’s office. He will also work with the Johnson County Mental Health Department to improve mental health support in our jails.

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Prairie Village City Council (2015-2023)

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<h2>Transparency</h2>Regularly sharing information such as crime data, police activities, and budget details with the public improves trust in law enforcement. By being open about how decisions are made and actions are taken, police can build trust and ensure accountability. As Police Chief, Byron has done all of this while actively engaging the community and maintaining clear channels of communication with the public.

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<h2>Leadership</h2>After rising through the ranks of the police department, Byron Roberson believes you’re only as good as the officer next to you. That’s why he believes in fostering a culture of professional development within the sheriff's office. As law enforcement evolves, Byron actively participates in and mandates cutting-edge professional development opportunities for his staff such as the FBI Leadership Academy, and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff Command. These programs are essential to prepare officers to think strategically and find innovative solutions to the difficult issues they face today and tomorrow.

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I'm proud to be endorsed by Governor Laura Kelly's Middle of the Road PAC. As Sheriff, I will work with Governor Kelly to advocate for Medicaid expansion, which would help cover mental health costs for inmates and provide the county with more resources to help vulnerable populations before they come in contact with the criminal justice system.

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<h2>Crime Prevention</h2>As chief of police, Byron has strong partnerships with community groups and service providers across Johnson County. As sheriff, he will connect people in crisis, such as those struggling with mental health or addiction,&nbsp; with vital resources before they enter the criminal justice system. This approach increases public safety by allowing law enforcement to focus its resources on more serious criminal activity.

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Byron Roberson has 30 years of law enforcement experience and has dedicated his entire professional life to keeping Johnson County safe.As the role of law enforcement evolves, Police Chief Byron Roberson’s experience in modern policing makes him the ideal leader for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

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<h2>Reduce Recidivism</h2>Keeping former inmates out of jail increases public safety and saves taxpayer money. Providing job training, educational opportunities, and counseling for inmates equips them with skills needed for a successful reentry into society and decreases the likelihood of reoffending.

<h2>Public Safety</h2>The safety and security of residents has been Byron’s top priority throughout his 30-year career in law enforcement. He has a proven track record of using problem-oriented policing that identifies and addresses the root causes of criminal activity. As the world of law enforcement evolves, Byron keeps his department at the forefront by seeking out innovative strategies, and implementing the latest training and technology for his officers.

<h2>Community Policing</h2>Byron Roberson has built a police department that takes a &nbsp;collaborative approach to public safety and values diversity of thought to address complex issues. He has strong partnerships with community groups across Johnson County and believes in the importance of&nbsp; building trust between the community and law enforcement.

<h4>Roberson for Sheriff does not tolerate posts, comments, replies, or messages that:</h4><ul><li>contain a personal attack, insult, racial slur or any other derogatory term</li><li>promote hate, misogyny, or discrimination of any kind</li><li>use abusive, foul, or explicit language, including “masked” profanity</li><li>are off-topic or unrelated to the original post</li><li>contain private or personal information of others</li></ul>Posts, comments, replies, or messages that violate this policy may be deleted and the user responsible may be blocked.

<h2>Byron Roberson: A Career Dedicated to Public Service</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/f7c1ff6f-4467-4b2d-a1a0-811cc0c824ce/f7e3c702-9b81-4d03-93dd-aca09c464a4d/f7e3c702-9b81-4d03-93dd-aca09c464a4d.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=4&amp;con=10&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=31&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=64%2C18%2C175%2C206&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="In 1987, Byron joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve where he served for eight years,including one year of active deployment during Desert Storm" align="left" alignwidth="25" variant="framed">In 1987, Byron joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve where he served for eight years,including one year of active deployment during Desert StormJimmie and Irma Roberson, both retired school teachers, instilled a strong sense of public service in their son. That’s why Byron joined the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve in 1987 after graduating high school.Byron served eight years in the Marines, including one year of active deployment during Desert Storm. He trained as an infantryman, artillery gunner, and in supply logistics.Byron ended his career in the military as Sergeant and Platoon Leader for the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines in Springfield Missouri.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f7c1ff6f-4467-4b2d-a1a0-811cc0c824ce/24b550bb-1a04-4672-a287-c1d1a67521ae/24b550bb-1a04-4672-a287-c1d1a67521ae.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C171%2C194&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="Byron joined the Prairie Village Police in 1995, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police" align="right" alignwidth="25" variant="framed">Byron joined the Prairie Village Police in 1995, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police<h3>Over 30 years of law enforcement experience</h3>Byron has been a police officer for 30 years and served as Field Training Officer, Undercover Narcotics Officer, Patrol Division Commander, and Emergency Management Coordinator. In 2019, Byron helped onboard the Prairie Village Police Department’s first mental health co-responder program. He helped form the city’s first SWAT Team and served as Team Leader and Commander for over 10 years.After serving as a police officer in Missouri, Byron joined the Prairie Village Police Department in 1995. Byron rose through the ranks before being sworn in as Chief of Police. He is the 7th Chief of Police for Prairie Village since the city's incorporation in 1951.<h3>A family dedicated to its community</h3>Byron’s wife Stacy shares his passion for community service, working as a registered nurse at a local hospital. Together with their blended family they share six children ranging in age from 25 to 32. They’re proud of raising good men and women who respect others and give back to their community. Now, they enjoy spending time with and spoiling their six grandchildren.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/f7c1ff6f-4467-4b2d-a1a0-811cc0c824ce/3d1df9da-338c-404c-9577-8095697b8407/3d1df9da-338c-404c-9577-8095697b8407.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C58%2C2602%2C1316&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="Byron and his wife, Stacy, share six children and six grandchildren" align="middle" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">Byron and his wife, Stacy, share six children and six grandchildren

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Byron Roberson for Johnson County Sheriff

Byron Roberson is running to bring new leadership to Johnson County Sheriff's Office.

News: Byron Roberson for Johnson County Sheriff

A three-year long investigation by former Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden cost taxpayers $88,000 and found no evidence of election fraud during the 2020 election.Newly-elected Johnson County Sheriff Byron Roberson provided <a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/johnson-county-sheriff-tells-vegas-conference-about-voter-fraud-investigation-refuses-to-discuss-it-at-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">an update on the investigation conducted</a> by Hayden.Roberson confirmed there were no cases of fraud in the 2020 election or in any election since, <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25513122-election-fraud-press-release/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">according to a press release</a>.Roberson reviewed the investigation after being elected sheriff in November 2024 and said he was surprised what the investigation revealed."I was quite surprised for the lack of substance in the reports, in the information," Roberson said. "There just wasn't a lot to go on that would have taken a three-year investigation."

A three-year long investigation by former Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden cost taxpayers $88,000 and found no evidence of election fraud during the 2020 election. Newly-elected Johnson County Sheriff Byron Roberson provided an update on the investigation conducted by Hayden. Roberson confirmed there were no cases of fraud in the 2020 election or in any election since, <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25513122-election-fraud-press-release/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">according to a press release</a>.

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Former Johnson County Sheriff's election fraud investigation, found no evidence of crimes

Roberson has served as Prairie Village's police chief since Jan. 4, 2021. He has over 25 years of experience as a police officer in Prairie Village and Mission Hills. Prior to becoming a police officer, Roberson spent eight years in the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve, one of which was of active deployment in Desert Storm.

Prairie Village Police Chief Byron Roberson announces bid for Johnson County sheriff

Roberson touted the endorsements of four former local police chiefs, including Ellen Hanson and Tom Hongslo, both former police chiefs of Lenexa, as well as Tim Burnett of Merriam and Ben Hadley of Mission. “Our public endorsement of Byron should underscore the urgent need for a change in leadership at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office,” Hanson is quoted in the release.

Johnson County Sheriff race in 2024 takes shape, including entry of local police chief

The open sharing of crime statistics, policing data, and budget information, is key to building public trust as it allows residents to see how effectively law enforcement is addressing safety concerns.

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Transparency

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The safety and security of residents has been Byron’s top priority in his 30-year career in law enforcement. He has a track record of using problem-oriented policing that identifies and addresses the root causes of criminal activity.

Public Safety

“I believe that the sheriff of the county should be concentrating on making the community safer. And unfortunately, the sheriff is spending more time chasing conspiracies, finding a way to get soundbites on CNN and collaborating with people that just aren’t moving the county in the right direction,” Roberson told The Star on Wednesday.

Johnson County police chief steps up as Democratic challenger to Sheriff Calvin Hayden

After the votes were officially counted and the winners were declared in the <a href="https://fox4kc.com/politics/your-local-election-headquarters/bedford-beats-johnson-county-sheriff-hayden-in-august-primary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johnson County, Kansas’s August primary</a>, it was revealed that long-time sheriff, Calvin Hayden, had been voted out and would be replaced by one of two new candidates: Democrat Byron Roberson or Republican Doug Bedford.Unlike the months leading up to the primaries, the campaigns leading up to the general election had not been filled with as much drama or controversy. Roberson and Bedford each had steady races. Both held years of experience in law enforcement and laid out policies, plans and changes they hope to implement in the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the office’s relationship with the community.However, only one candidate could win, and in a historic election, Roberson won the majority vote, making him the first Black sheriff in Johnson County, Kansas history.

After the votes were officially counted and the winners were declared in the <a href="https://fox4kc.com/politics/your-local-election-headquarters/bedford-beats-johnson-county-sheriff-hayden-in-august-primary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johnson County, Kansas’s August primary</a>, it was revealed that long-time sheriff, Calvin Hayden, had been voted out and would be replaced by one of two new candidates: Democrat Byron Roberson or Republican Doug Bedford.Unlike the months leading up to the primaries, the campaigns leading up to the general election had not been filled with as much drama or controversy.

Byron Roberson wins race for Johnson County Sheriff

Byron Roberson is the first Democrat in 96 years, and the first African American, to hold the office of Johnson County Sheriff. Chosen by voters in last week's election, Roberson succeeds the controversial sheriff Calvin Hayden, who had embraced far-right election conspiracies.

Byron Roberson is the first Democrat in 96 years, and the first African American, to hold the office of Johnson County Sheriff. Chosen by voters in last week's election, Roberson succeeds the controversial sheriff Calvin Hayden, who had embraced far-right election conspiracies. Prairie Village Police Chief Byron Roberson wasn't intimidated by the fact a Democrat hadn't held the Johnson County Sheriff's seat in nearly a century.

Byron Roberson will be the first Black sheriff in Johnson County history

Prairie Village Police Chief Byron Roberson has announced his candidacy for Johnson County sheriff, vying to take Sheriff Calvin Hayden’s seat. In a release Wednesday, Roberson’s campaign noted he has the support of four former Johnson County police chiefs — former Lenexa police chiefs Ellen Hansen and Tom Hongslo and former Merriam police chiefs Tim Burnett and Ben Hadley.

Four former police chiefs supporting new Johnson County sheriff candidate

Keeping former inmates out of jail enhances public safety and saves taxpayer money. Job training and education programs in our&nbsp; jails support successful reentry into society and reduce the chances of reoffending.

Reduce Recidivism

John Holt is joined by the new sheriff of Johnson County. <a href="https://fox4kc.com/politics/your-local-election-headquarters/johnson-county-sheriff-doug-bedford-vs-byron-roberson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Former Prairie Village Police Chief Byron Roberson</a> joins us to discuss his vision for fighting crime going forward, his view of an immigration crackdown and whether his office will be involved, and more.It’s a new edition of “4 The People.”

Fox4 Kansas City - 4 The People - Interview John Holt; New sheriff in Johnson County

Nov. 5, 2024, is a day Byron Roberson will never forget.It’s the day he was elected as the first Black sheriff of Johnson County, and the first Democrat to serve in nearly a century.Roberson, who previously served as chief of police in Prairie Village, defeated Republican Doug Bedford 50.5 percent to 49.4 percent. The historic night proved to be a step forward not only for him but the county. “This situation that I am in right now, 50 years ago it’s almost impossible,” said Roberson. “But you move 50 years forward to where we are now and that’s progress. And we need to continue that progress and we need to not forget that this isn’t something that’s just a given.”

Nov. 5, 2024, is a day Byron Roberson will never forget. It’s the day he was elected as the first Black sheriff of Johnson County, and the first Democrat to serve in nearly a century. Roberson, who previously served as chief of police in Prairie Village, defeated Republican Doug Bedford 50.5 percent to 49.4 percent. The historic night proved to be a step forward not only for him but the county.

Johnson County's first Black sheriff Byron Roberson talks progress

With the increasing number of mental health-related calls, it’s more important than ever to equip our law enforcement officers with training on crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

Mental Health

There’s a new Johnson County sheriff in town as he makes history swearing-in.Sheriff Byron Roberson is the first African American man to lead the county and the first Democrat to wear the badge in more than 90 years. “It feels great,” Roberson said. “But I feel even greater that no one will ever have to say ‘the first African American’ to hold this role. There will be many others after me.” In his inauguration speech, Roberson mentioned that his goal is to serve by example, lead with integrity, and treat everyone equally.“The root of what we do is taking care of human beings,” Roberson said. “We do our job every day. We know how to catch criminals. We know how to file cases with the District Attorney’s office, but sometimes, we have to be reminded that we have to treat everyone as human beings. That is key; you can’t go wrong if you do that.”Roberson also mentioned sustaining a strong partnership with the community and with surrounding counties and cities.

There’s a new Johnson County sheriff in town as he makes history swearing-in. Sheriff Byron Roberson is the first African American man to lead the county and the first Democrat to wear the badge in more than 90 years. “It feels great,” Roberson said. “But I feel even greater that no one will ever have to say ‘the first African American’ to hold this role. There will be many others after me.”

“No one will ever have to say ‘the first African American’ to hold this role”; new JOCO sheriff

Byron Roberson is running for Johnson County Sheriff to restore sound leadership to the sheriff's office. 

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