Los Santos County Sheriff's Department "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" |
- Important Statement from the Office of the Sheriff
To the members of the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department, and to the residents of San Andreas,
It is with great sadness that I announce my decision to step down as the Sheriff of the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department. Alongside me, Undersheriff John Wallace and Harry Payne will also be stepping down from their respective positions.
I was appointed on April 9th, 2022, following Undersheriff Wallace’s decision to step down. Since then, alongside Wallace and Payne, we have had the privilege of leading this department through years of development, reform, and community service.
Throughout our tenure, we have worked with countless dedicated and loyal employees who have come and gone, many of whom continue to proudly serve the department and our communities across Los Santos County.
Over the years, we have seen divisions and bureaus created, transformed, and retired. What has brought us the most pride and joy has been witnessing the innovation, passion, and professionalism of every member who has come, gone, and remained. We have watched individuals grow from Deputy Sheriff Trainees into supervisors, command staff, and executive staff. It has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and we do not regret a single moment of it.
We are not perfect as human beings, and throughout our time, there may have been decisions made that were not ideal in hindsight but were the best choices at the time. We expect the next Sheriff will face similar challenges. Despite this, we have always led the department with the mindset of granting staff as much trust and freedom as possible within their duties. We rarely had to intervene, because our personnel have consistently demonstrated motivation, professionalism, and pride in their service.
As time goes on, we have come to recognize that our energy and drive are not what they once were. We believe now is the right moment to make this decision. Our hearts will always belong to law enforcement and the community, and as long as we have that drive, we will continue to serve among the people. Therefore, while we are stepping down from our current leadership positions, we will remain involved with the department in a new capacity.
In coordination with the San Andreas State Government, a Sheriff’s Commissioner Board will be established to serve in an advisory capacity. This board will operate separately from department leadership and hold no position of power, authority to manage staff or departmental functions. Its purpose will be to provide counsel, continuity, and insight to the Sheriff, drawn from years of experience in law enforcement, while allowing us to retain our ability continue serving the public as Law Endorcement Officers.
Both Undersheriff John Wallace and Harry Payne will be joining in this transition as they too will be stepping down from their respective positions to take part in the Sheriff’s Commissioner Board. They have both been with the Sheriff's Department since its founding in 2019 and have played vital roles in shaping it into what it is today.
I want to take a moment to personally thank both of them for constantly being by my side throughout these years. Their loyalty, hard work, and individual efforts have been instrumental to the success and growth of the department. I could not have asked for better partners to lead alongside, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.
This transition will also open the door for new leaders to step into the light, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to guide the department forward. Change, though sometimes difficult, allows growth, and we are confident that the future leadership will continue shaping this department in ways that best serve both our personnel and the public.
To the members of the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department: thank you for your commitment, your professionalism, and your service. To the residents of San Andreas: thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we have built something that stands as a pillar of safety, integrity, and community service.
Message from Undersheriff John Wallace
Message from Undersheriff Harry PayneWhen I first heard about the government’s plan to reopen the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department, I was in my third stint with the Los Santos Police Department, where I previously served as a Captain, left, rejoined as a Captain, and left again. Then, I rejoined once more, this time they offered me Senior Lead Officer, I believe, starting from the bottom. I took the offer and settled in, eventually becoming a Sergeant once more. During this time, I was assigned to the Vinewood Precinct as Assistant Patrol Supervisor under Sergeant II Harry Davis. Nowadays, you know him as Harry Payne. We had great synergy and worked together well. Believe it or not, he was on top of his paperwork!
Rejoining the Police Department also reunited me with my old friend Samuel Osborn, who, during my first time in the Police Department in 2017, completed all of my Field Training Sessions in a matter of a day. I sure learned a lot that day.
Working with these two, as well as with Sean Hamilton, did not feel like work; it was great to be around great people.
I told Osborn that whatever the plans for the Sheriff’s Department were, I was in. Those plans, as it turned out, didn’t go much further than the name for the department. It was in its infancy. And so we started to work on it every day until it was good enough to make official. Both of us resigned from the Police Department along with a few others to kickstart SD. I assumed the role of Assistant Sheriff and Osborn Sheriff.
I spoke to Payne, and I told him that I wanted him in the Sheriff’s Department. He wasn’t so sure at first. He had a great position in PD with a clear path forward. He would be giving that up for an uncertain future. If it hadn’t worked out, we’d all be jobless. But he did trust me, and he made that switch to SD. He immediately started work on our Special Enforcement, along with Sean Hamilton.
Eventually, the Department was ready to open its doors, and we started recruiting, interviewing, and training people.
That first year in the department will forever be my favourite memory and time. We didn’t know where the hell we were going, but we pushed through, and damn did it go. We grew so much and added so many wonderful people to our ranks. While everyone that we employed has given a little bit to the department, some people gave a lot more and left imprints that are still visible today. They built foundations that all of you walk and stand on today. I am grateful for all of the amazing people I had the privilege to serve with.
I held the rank of Sheriff, after Osborn betrayed us and went back to PD, for I think it was 2 years. Payne and I led the department with what I believe was the right amount of iron fist and compassion. And at the time, that was exactly what the department needed. With Osborn, others had left back to PD as well, leaving the Department shaky and people uncertain. It needed a firm grip and tough decisions. We didn’t run for popularity contests; we did what we believed to be right. And I believe that looking back at it, people would agree with me.
Around 2019, the political landscape of the State changed. I handled it, but it took a toll on me. After all, I didn’t campaign to be a politician. I wanted to do what I loved and what I was good at, which was law enforcement. Sadly, however, that was no longer possible. Politics took over most of my time, and I found myself not enjoying my job anymore. I struggled with that for quite a while.
Eventually, I made the decision to step down and hand the reins to Undersheriff Kirk, who, for all I know, was already a retiree at the time. Modern medicine sure is a miracle.
That allowed me to go back to do what I loved while someone else handled the dirty politics of the state.
The three of us continued to steer the ship through very rough seas, and we succeeded at it all. Payne and Kirk are without a doubt, the very best law enforcement officers and the absolute top of the line leaders. Without them, I would not be here today.
It wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine, and behind closed doors, there were many nights spent yelling and shouting at each other. We had different opinions on many topics and on many matters concerning the department.
But as I've always maintained, I can't respect a man I can't have a fight with and still sit down with afterwards for a beer.
All of the decisions we ever made were made in the best interest of the department, the whole of the department. Sure, in retrospect, it is easy to point out things that could’ve been handled better, but anyone who has been in a position such as ours will recognize that we have always made the best decision with the information at that time and the personnel we had available at that time.
We continued to evaluate the department and make adjustments where needed to ensure its future.
During one of those evaluations recently, we recognized that we may not be the best people to lead the department in the future, that our ideas and views may not be those of the future. And so, we decided that the last decision we will make for the future of the department is to step down and hand over the reins to a new generation of leaders.
A generation of leaders who have learned things from us but who hold their own ideas and beliefs on how this department should move forward.
I feel no sadness in making this decision, only pride that I am able to make this decision myself and stand before you as a man who has succeeded more times than he has failed. After all, I believe that’s what life comes down to in the end.
To all of the people who have gone part of the way with me until today, thank you. For your support, for your ideas, for your hard work, and for your challenges.
To the next leaders of the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department, not all that is old is bad, and not all that is new is silly. Find the balance of tradition and modernity, don’t be afraid to make tough decisions, never forget that nobody is above this department, and most importantly, always keep in mind that your employees and their families rely on your sound judgment.
Thank you.
((I echo what Kirk and Wallace said. I also want to add that I consider myself a great driver, actually one of the greatest. I don’t think anyone drives better than me. The criminals know it too, they fear me the moment they see those lights in their mirror. I’ve built a legacy of clean pursuits, perfect PITs, and daring maneuvers that will be spoken of for generations.
I’ll still be around, just not in the same role as before. I’m stepping aside to let someone else take the seat as Undersheriff, but don’t get me wrong, the throne and my countless trophies are coming with me. They can keep my office, my chair, and my keyboard, I’ve already won what matters.
You’ll still see me out there, patrolling the streets, chasing down criminals, and helping the Sheriff with whatever he needs, which, let’s be honest, will probably be a lot.
The appointment of the next Sheriff will be determined by Legal Factions Management, and recommendations have been provided.
I am equally grateful out of character as I am in character for the years I have spent as the Sheriff's Department faction leader. Our mission has always been to create a fair and enjoyable environment for both our members and everyone who roleplays with us. And I think we succeeded in this.
There has been tremendous growth since the faction was founded in 2019, and it has been shaped by hundreds of people over the years. I am proud of where it stands today. Friendships have been formed, many of which I hope will last
))
- From
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
