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Two Republican candidates are facing off for Douglas County sheriff and hoping to bring changes to the office if elected.

Aaron Hanson is the current fugitive task force supervisor for Omaha police and George Merrithew is a retired Omaha police lieutenant.

The two men both have extensive law enforcement backgrounds.

Hanson is an Omaha native with 25 years of law enforcement experience and has served in multiple capacities. Outside of the uniform, he works with the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development, helping young people break the cycle of poverty.

"We have to keep criminals safe from themselves sometimes and that includes arresting or taking enforcement action and unfortunately, putting some people in jail and prison. But at the same time, we have to have that equal counterbalance," Hanson said.

The former president of the Omaha Police Officer's Association said his goals are to make everyone feel safe, protect second amendment rights and build partnerships through community policing.

"I'm working to be an elected leader. I'm working to be a law enforcement leader and that's exactly what I will be. But also I'm a problem solver. I can strike that balance between making sure that we will keep people in Douglas County's family safe today," Hanson said.

Merrithew is a retired police lieutenant, lawyer and serves in the Army Reserve. He said with 25 years on the force and serving in almost every bureau, he brings the skills, education and experience to hold the office.

"You ask anyone who knows me and I'm always standing up for the little guy and making sure that that system doesn't crush the individual that the individual is respected and their position is respected," Merrithew said.

The member of the National Rifle Association wants to offer free gun safety courses, work with police to tackle crime and ensure second amendment rights are protected.

"When it comes to the Second Amendment, one of the things that that I really think, is a mentality. You can't think that everyone with a gun is a threat. To you. There are a lot of law-abiding citizens that carry guns that are not a threat to law enforcement," Merrithew.

Both candidates believe the pay salary for law enforcement is too low, vowing to make a change.

"Better salaries and better wages for the deputies save the county money because we don't have to spend this much money training new people," Merrithew said.

"This will ultimately help us to recruit and to retain not only highly qualified police officers," Hanson said.

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