The catastrophic rise of synthetic opioids and illicit narcotics isn't just a criminal justice problem in Shelby County—it is an ongoing public health tragedy that leaves devastated families in its wake. From the heart of Memphis to the outer edges of the county, families are losing loved ones to accidental overdoses at an unprecedented, heartbreaking rate. As a veteran law enforcement officer and a federal CGIS Special Agent, Brad Less has witnessed the far-reaching destruction driven by the illegal drug trade. He knows that the Sheriff’s Office cannot simply arrest its way out of an addiction crisis, nor can it turn a blind eye to the laws of the State of Tennessee. Brad is proposing a targeted, legally sound, and resource-driven drug enforcement strategy that focuses our highest-level assets exactly where they will save the most lives.

First and foremost, Brad’s administration will align its enforcement priorities directly with state law, while maintaining a clear-eyed focus on the deadliest threats facing our community. The war on opioid-related offenses is an absolute, non-negotiable priority. The trafficking of fentanyl and other lethal synthetics is a violent assault on our community, and the individuals profit-gouging off this epidemic must face the full, unyielding weight of the justice system. The Sheriff’s Office will direct its specialized investigative units to target the mid-to-high-level distribution networks pouring these poisons into our neighborhoods, working hand-in-hand with federal agencies to disrupt the supply chain before it reaches our streets.

While the department will remain relentless in pursuing violent drug traffickers, Brad recognizes that low-level possession requires a distinct, resource-oriented approach. For instance, misdemeanor amounts of marijuana are not the critical driver of our county's violent crime crisis or overdose statistics. By avoiding the over-allocation of valuable deputy hours to minor, non-violent offenses, the Sheriff’s Office can keep its primary focus locked onto the lethal narcotic networks that are actively killing our citizens. This pragmatic prioritization ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, maximizing our impact against the most harmful criminal elements.

Addressing the demand side of the drug crisis requires building resourceful, valuable partnerships between the Sheriff’s Office and community-based rehabilitation networks. For individuals trapped in the destructive cycle of addiction who want to reclaim their lives, the justice system must offer accessible avenues toward recovery. Brad supports expanding drug court initiatives and working alongside local healthcare providers and non-profit organizations to ensure that non-violent individuals have access to real treatment resources.

A safer Shelby County requires a leadership approach that is both tough on crime and deeply attuned to the human toll of the addiction crisis. Brad Less brings the investigative expertise, the respect for the law, and the community-engaged mindset necessary to navigate this complex challenge. By combining aggressive enforcement against major traffickers with supportive, proactive intervention programs for the community, Brad will lead a comprehensive effort to push back against the drug crisis and protect our families from further tragedy.