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Ricky Pollard
Office history
Career
Ricky Pollard is a Democratic candidate running for Shelby County Sheriff in Tennessee (Ballotpedia). He has spent more than 20 years with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), currently serving as the head of the Fugitive Division (Fox13 Memphis). Pollard also serves as a SWAT K9 handler, a role he has held for approximately a dozen years (Fox13 Memphis).
Public Service
Pollard is seeking to replace outgoing Sheriff Floyd Bonner in the May 5, 2026, Democratic primary (Ballotpedia). His campaign platform emphasizes targeting repeat violent offenders and illegal firearms to enhance neighborhood safety (Campaign Website). He advocates for strengthening partnerships with nonprofits to provide job training and education aimed at reducing recidivism (Campaign Website).
Regarding jail operations, Pollard opposes the construction of a new facility, arguing instead for repairs to the current jail and improved staffing levels (Action News 5). He prioritizes hiring well-trained corrections officers capable of managing their responsibilities effectively (Action News 5). His platform includes partnering with licensed mental health facilities to provide on-site professional care for inmates (Campaign Website).
Pollard proposes implementing department-wide de-escalation policies and requiring regular, mandatory training for all deputies (Campaign Website). He supports public reporting of use-of-force incidents, jail population data, and staffing levels to ensure transparency (Campaign Website). To address fiscal responsibility, he aims to reduce lawsuit exposure through improved training, supervision, and documentation, while also pursuing state and federal funding for mental health services and jail modernization (Campaign Website).
Notable
Pollard is one of five Democrats in the crowded primary field for Shelby County Sheriff, alongside Anthony Buckner, Reginald Hubbard, Michael Pope, and Keisha Scott (Ballotpedia). His campaign website outlines a mission statement focused on reducing violent crime, supporting lawful enforcement, and operating a safe and constitutional jail with professionalism and transparency (Campaign Website).
Statement of interest (Tennessee Ethics Commission)
No statement of interest filing found as of 2026-04-25. Search the Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search.
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Pollard”, and submit.
- County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Pollard”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Pollard”and, if needed, select the applicable position.