Sheriff Steve Draper of the City of Martinsville is not only the longest-serving sheriff in Virginia, but he also represents a wealth of experience and commitment spanning three decades. First elected in 1993, Sheriff Draper has dedicated his career to modernizing law enforcement practices, building strong community relations, and leading with integrity. His journey, from working at the Martinsville City Jail in the early 1970s to serving as the President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA), reflects a deep-rooted passion for public service and the betterment of his community.
Career and Experience
- What motivated you to pursue a career in law enforcement, and how did you end up in this role?
It’s a funny story… Looking back, my elementary school records show that I always wanted to be a policeman, with a doctor as my second choice. My father was elected Justice of the Peace in Martinsville in 1969 (a role later replaced by magistrates appointed by the Circuit Court Judge). He worked part-time as a magistrate, mostly in the evenings, and I would often accompany him to the office. Meeting local law enforcement officers piqued my interest in law enforcement.
I began working at the Martinsville City Jail in 1973 and left in 1977 when I ran for sheriff, though I was unsuccessful. Afterward, I became Safety, Security, and Health Director at Pannill Knitting Company, which was later acquired by Sara Lee Corporation in 1986. In 1992, I was elected to Martinsville City Council. As textiles began moving offshore, I saw what would happen to our plants. Knowing the sheriff wouldn’t seek reelection, I decided to try again. In November 1993, I won the election and became sheriff.
- How has the role of sheriff evolved since you began your career? What major changes have you witnessed?
Professionalism! The professional training classes that John Jones and the VSA have organized over the years have greatly helped in making our offices more professional for both our staff and the communities we serve.
- Can you share a memorable case or event from your career that had a significant impact on you?
Serving as President of VSA from 2008-2009 is the most memorable moment of my career as sheriff. It was an incredible honor to serve the sheriffs and deputies across the Commonwealth. The other is being the senior sheriff in the Commonwealth. When first elected I was number 121 and now I am number 1. I may be the number 1 but I’m truly not the best sheriff in the Commonwealth, there are many sheriffs that are better than I in many ways. It’s been a pleasure serving for 31 years and I look forward to another 4-year term as long as my good health continues.
Leadership and Management
- What leadership principles or philosophies have guided you throughout your tenure?
My door is always open to my staff – all of my staff. However, I still expect them to follow the chain of command.
- What strategies have you implemented to maintain and boost morale within your department?
We work as a team. I try to never ask my staff to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I make myself available to my staff, and I make it a point to be present in the jail regularly, showing the jail staff how much I appreciate their hard work.
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within your team or with other agencies?
When conflicts arise, I talk to both parties individually before bringing them together to work things out as a group. This approach has proven to be very effective.
Community Relations
- How has the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the community changed over the years?
When I was first elected, many citizens didn’t even realize there was a city sheriff. I had my deputies get involved in neighborhood activities so they could be more visible. Now, we have an excellent working relationship with other public safety agencies, and the citizens of Martinsville certainly know there is a City Sheriff!
- What initiatives or programs have you introduced to improve community relations?
We provide the Project Lifesaver Program to citizens of both Martinsville and Henry County. We’ve also placed School Resource Officers (SROs) in elementary schools.
- Can you discuss any successful collaborations between your office and local organizations or schools?
Before we put SROs in the middle school, we adopted our middle school, went to lunch with the students, and tried to be seen in the school.
Policy and Innovation
- How do you stay updated with new law enforcement techniques and technologies?
Taking training classes and reading the latest information online.
- Have you introduced any innovative approaches to public safety during your tenure?
Project Lifesaver and Home Electronic Monitoring (HEM).
Reflections and Advice
- Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?
My staff! I’m the most fortunate to have the wonderful staff that I have. We work with each other, and we work well with the community and neighboring jurisdictions.
- What advice would you give to someone starting out in law enforcement today?
Remember that we serve the people. The public expects us to lead by example, and I emphasize this to all of our officers. As for the jail, I always tell applicants, “If you treat those individuals behind bars the way you’d want to be treated if you were locked up, you should have very little or no problem with them.”
- What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations in your community and department?
That I was a hardworking, fair and honest sheriff and that took pride I my position and staff.
Personal Insights
- What do you enjoy most about being sheriff, and what keeps you motivated after all these years?
I enjoy my people most. They keep me motivated because I see the satisfaction on their faces when meeting them in passing or talking to them.
- Are there any aspects of the job you find particularly challenging or rewarding on a personal level?
These days, it can be challenging to find the right people for the job. On a personal level, being reelected seven times with opposition only two times is the most rewarding thing.