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Sheriff · Harford County · 2026 Primary
The Sheriff is an elected official responsible for maintaining courthouse security, serving legal documents such as warrants and evictions, and transporting individuals in custody. In many Maryland counties, the Sheriff’s Office also serves as the primary law enforcement agency, conducting patrols and investigating crimes. This office is a key part of the local justice system, ensuring that court orders are enforced and the public is protected.
View all candidates in this raceJeffrey R. Gahler is the elected Sheriff of Harford County, Maryland, first taking office in December 2014 and seeking re-election in 2026. With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement, including a 28-year tenure with the Maryland State Police where he held various leadership roles, Gahler is described on his campaign site as a principled leader and dedicated servant to citizens. He holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and is a graduate of the National Sheriff's Institute. Under his leadership, the Harford County Sheriff's Office has implemented initiatives such as body-worn camera programs, expanded school resource officer programs, and enhanced training protocols focused on de-escalation and mental health response. Gahler advocates for public safety policies grounded in facts and supports law enforcement at both state and national levels. He emphasizes partnerships with community members, elected officials, and agency employees to maintain low crime rates and address issues like the opioid epidemic.
Sources: Campaign website
"Since being elected in 2014, I remain honored to be allowed to serve as your Sheriff in Harford County.
Accomplishments such as these cannot occur through enforcement alone and that is why our Agency has been a leader in implementing nontraditional law enforcement or correctional approaches to some of the most serious issues facing our community, such as the opioid epidemic and substance abuse.
As Sheriff, I led the call to expand our School Resource Deputy (SRO) program... Just as importantly, as Sheriff, I led the fight to stop Maryland's Legislature from removing our SROs from the schools.
It is my desire to continue to build on our successes and continued public safety efforts as your candidate for Sheriff in 2026."
Source: gahlerforsheriff.com
Public Safety
Gahler highlights record declines in crime through partnerships and deputy efforts.
“"Through these partnerships and the efforts of our deputies, we have been able to realize record declines in both violent and property crimes year after year."”
Education
Gahler led initiatives to expand School Resource Officers into elementary schools.
“"As Sheriff, I led the call to expand our School Resource Deputy (SRO) program... Just as importantly, as Sheriff, I led the fight to stop Maryland's Legislature from removing our SROs from the schools."”
Criminal Justice
Gahler implements nontraditional approaches for serious issues like substance abuse.
“"Accomplishments such as these cannot occur through enforcement alone and that is why our Agency has been a leader in implementing nontraditional law enforcement or correctional approaches to some of the most serious issues facing our community, such as the opioid epidemic and substance abuse."”
“"record declines in both violent and property crimes year after year."”
Source“"expand our School Resource Deputy (SRO) program... to include the expansion of the SROs into Harford County Elementary Schools"”
Source“"implementing nontraditional law enforcement or correctional approaches to some of the most serious issues facing our community, such as the opioid epidemic and substance abuse."”
Source