Williams County, N.D.

Bio: A 22-year veteran on the force. Has served as sheriff for the past six years. He and his 11 deputies patrol a 2,000-square-mile area with a population density of four people per square mile.

Reflections on the Job:

On balancing tough, soft approaches to crime:
"We want the bad guys to know that there are some consequences for their actions… "

On the prevalence of guns:
"We just assume that everybody out here's got a gun."

On the toughest part of the job -- car accidents involving alcohol, people you know:
"When we do get them, they're particularly tragic."

On his first day on the job, and his first bust:
"We took the cocaine away from the dealer."

On advice for rookies:
"Be decent to people. Not everybody out there's a dirt bag."

County Seat: Williston; Population (2000): 19,761

Williams County, N.D., is almost as far north and west as North Dakota gets. Oilfields, farms and ranches dot the landscape. Cows outnumber people.


Crime in Williams County, N.D., in 2002

* Total Crime refers to the Total Crime Index, which is not an absolute measure but rather reflects the number of offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The Crime Index allows law enforcement agencies to compare crime rates across the nation.

Source: North Dakota Office of Attorney General 2002 Report

Drug Arrests in North Dakota, 1993-2002

North Dakota has seen a sharp increase in drug-offense arrests over the last decade. In 1993, the state made 643 drug arrests. That number rose to 1,752 in 2002.

Source: North Dakota Office of Attorney General 2002 Report