{"biography":"## Career\nRicky Pollard is a Democratic candidate running for Shelby County Sheriff in Tennessee ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ricky_Pollard)). 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](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/5-democrats-2-republicans-running-for-shelby-county-sheriff/article_e272725b-6bc3-4647-91f0-132007963462.html)). Pollard also serves as a SWAT K9 handler, a role he has held for approximately a dozen years ([Fox13 Memphis](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/5-democrats-2-republicans-running-for-shelby-county-sheriff/article_e272725b-6bc3-4647-91f0-132007963462.html)).\n\nPollard is seeking to replace outgoing Sheriff Floyd Bonner in the May 5, 2026, Democratic primary ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ricky_Pollard)). His campaign platform emphasizes targeting repeat violent offenders and illegal firearms to enhance neighborhood safety ([Campaign Website](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)). He advocates for strengthening partnerships with nonprofits to provide job training and education aimed at reducing recidivism ([Campaign Website](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)).\n\nRegarding 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](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/04/18/shelby-county-sheriff-candidates-split-need-new-jail/)). He prioritizes hiring well-trained corrections officers capable of managing their responsibilities effectively ([Action News 5](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/04/18/shelby-county-sheriff-candidates-split-need-new-jail/)). His platform includes partnering with licensed mental health facilities to provide on-site professional care for inmates ([Campaign Website](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)).\n\nPollard proposes implementing department-wide de-escalation policies and requiring regular, mandatory training for all deputies ([Campaign Website](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)). He supports public reporting of use-of-force incidents, jail population data, and staffing levels to ensure transparency ([Campaign Website](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)). 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](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)).\n\nPollard 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](https://ballotpedia.org/Ricky_Pollard)). 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](https://www.pollardforsheriff.com/)).\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\nNo statement of interest filing found as of 2026-04-25. Search the [Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/search.htm).\n","campaigns":[{"contest":"sheriff","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"primary","state":"TN","title":"Sheriff"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Ricky","fullname":"Ricky Pollard","lastname":"Pollard","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"sheriff","contest_title":"Sheriff","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-05-05","office_county":"shelby","office_key":"sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","party":"D","pgr":"primary","state":"TN"}],"county":"shelby","cycles":[{"general":null,"party":"D","primary":{"contest":"sheriff","contest_title":"Sheriff","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-05-05","office_county":"shelby","office_key":"sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","party":"D","pgr":"primary","state":"TN"},"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"terms":[],"token":"JUgaI0fQbl"}