Sheriff Jeff Richards

Jeff Richards is a Law Enforcement veteran, with more than 30 years of service.  He began his Law Enforcement career as a Reserve/Part-time Deputy with the Neosho County (KS) Sheriff’s Office.  He then served as a Law Enforcement Supervisor in the United States Air Force, prior to joining the Overland Park (KS) Police Department.  Jeff has been serving as the Sheriff of Franklin County (KS) since April 2013. 

During his law enforcement career, Sheriff Richards has served as a Corrections Officer, Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, motorcycle officer, SWAT member and Team Leader, Field Training Officer, Shift Supervisor, Detective, and now County Sheriff.

Sheriff Richards is a Certified Public Manager and a Certified Homeland Protection Professional.  He has completed many professional development courses to include; the National Sheriff’s Institute (level 1 and 2), Rural Executive Management Institute, Kansas Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School, DHS Leadership Academy and, FBI National Command Course. He is also an alumnus of the Claremont Institute’s Sheriffs Fellowship (2025).

Sheriff Richards has served his community as a County Planning Commissioner, elected City Commissioner and as a member of various service organizations.  He has provided leadership as a member of the Kansas Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), Kansas Sexual Assault Response Advisory Committee (KSARAC), Kansas Human Trafficking Advisory Board, Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, National Sheriff’s Association Border Security and Homeland Security committees, and as a member of the Board of Governors for Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association. 

During his career, Sheriff Richards has been recognized for his exceptional performance and leadership.  Most recently he was named the 2023 Sheriff of the Year, by the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association.

Jeff serves as Discipleship Pastor at Ottawa Community Church.  He and his Wife, Michelle, have 4 adult children and 1 grandson.

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What is your current position?

I currently serve as the 37^th elected Sheriff of Franklin County, Kansas.

What inspired you to choose this career path?

I grew up interested in Law Enforcement.  My Dad is a Pastor and, also served as a Police Officer for several years while I was growing up.  I have been involved in politics for as long as I can remember.  I entered the law enforcement profession when I turned 21 years old.  So, when the opportunity came to hold a position that combines law enforcement and politics, I answered that call. 

How did you hear about the Claremont Institute?

I heard about the Claremont Institute while attending the National Sheriffs Conference in Washington, DC.  I did some research about the Institute and knew that it was an organization I would be proud to be a part of. 

What is your fondest memory of the Claremont Institute?

I really enjoyed getting to know some like-minded Sheriffs.  The presenters were all excellent. Can’t complain about the location either!

What do you think will make this fellowship unique and relevant in the years to come?

This fellowship brings together Sheriffs from across the country, serving all sizes of counties.  The fellowship helps to bring to light all that we have in common and how we all can work together. 

Who would it be, why, and what would you discuss, if you could have a conversation with an American Founder, or any great thinker?

I would love to have a conversation with Abraham Lincoln, who I consider to be a great thinker.  I would like to hear the thought process he went through while he was working to keep our nation intact. I want to know what role faith played in his decisions.  I would also like to talk about the physical and mental toll that it all took on him and what he did to address those concerns. 

Looking back on history, in which one of the original 13 colonies would you have wanted to live and why?

I would have wanted to live in Virginia because that seemed to be the seat of all the political activity.  I don’t think I would have just been a spectator, I probably would have gotten involved in the Revolution. 

What would the artifact be, if you could hold one piece of history from the early founding of our country and why?

I would want to hold the Declaration of Independence.  I am impressed by the thought and articulation of the Founders.  I especially respect their outspoken dependence upon God. 

What qualities do you believe are necessary for effective leadership?

I believe that Integrity and Humility are both necessary for effective leadership.  People need to know that their leaders are honest and will always strive to do the right thing.  They also need to know that their leaders are humble and not self-serving. 

What do you believe is the greatest challenge currently facing the United States?

A large segment of our society has a total disregard of any type of authority (Anarchy).  I believe there are two reasons for this lack of respect; Homes without Fathers, and a nation who seems to have forgotten God. 

What book, speech, or movie has left a lasting impression on you and why?

Revolutionary Leadership: Essential lessons from the men and women of the American Revolution, by Pat Williams.  This book contains short stories about 26 men and women who played vital roles in the Revolution.  The stories highlight the role that their faith played in their development, preparation and actions.  As a man of faith, I was inspired to read about how others lived out their faith and the impact it made in not only their personal lives, but the life of our Nation.

Do you have a favorite quote?  Why does it resonate with you?

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIV) This Bible verse resonates with me and helps to guide how I live my life.  This verse, written many years ago, is still applicable today!

What is the most distinctive attribute/character of the people in Kansas’ Franklin County you genuinely admire?

We are primarily an agriculture community.  I admire the hard work of our farmers and ranchers.  The values they demonstrate, integrity and hard work, they also instill in their children.  We have many multi-generational farms and the strong family values help make our community a safe and stable place to live.

What do you believe are the top three law enforcement issues currently facing America?

Illicit drug use continues to be a problem, not just for law enforcement but, for our society as a whole.  The lack of respect for the rule of law and authority is a growing problem.  I believe that foreign bad actors are a problem that all too often are overlooked. 

At the end of a stressful day what brings you peace of mind?

I like to relax with my family.  My wife and I enjoy spending time reading our Bibles and faith-based books.  This helps remind me that no matter what may have happened during the day, there is a bigger purpose for our lives.

What would you say, if you could communicate one thing to politicians and Americans alike about the importance of policing?

Robert Charles Winthrop (18^th Speaker of the House) is quoted as saying, “Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the Word of God, or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible, or by the bayonet.” Most people willingly follow the established rules of our society.  Those who do not must be dealt with, to protect the whole of society.  Policing serves to protect not only life and property, but our way of life.