Brad Less is stepping forward to run for Shelby County Sheriff with a resume and record that speak directly to what Shelby County needs right now: experience, steady leadership, and a relentless commitment to public safety. A lifelong resident of the area, he understands both the challenges on our streets and the values of the families who call Memphis and Shelby County home. His candidacy offers voters a serious, solutions-driven alternative focused on crime reduction, supporting deputies, and restoring confidence in law enforcement.

Brad’s dedication to public safety runs deep, with a career in local law enforcement stretching back to 1995. He began his service as a Police Service Technician (PST) from 1995 to 1997, before stepping into the role of Deputy in 1997—a position he proudly holds to this day. This decades-long tenure has given him a front-row seat to the rise in violent crime and the strain it places on deputies and communities. He has served in roles that required not just courage but judgment—balancing day-to-day operational needs with long-term strategies to keep people safe. On top of his local law enforcement career, Brad has served since 2013 as a Special Agent with the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), bringing high-level federal training in investigations, command and control, and complex security operations to the table. That combination of local street experience and specialized federal service is rare, and it gives him a deep understanding of how to run a modern sheriff’s office.

Brad’s platform centers on three core priorities: making Memphis and Shelby County safer, supporting deputies, and modernizing the jail system to reduce overcrowding and improve outcomes. He has spoken clearly about the need for a new misdemeanor facility to relieve pressure on the main county jail, allowing for essential renovations and better management of inmates. This approach reflects a practical mindset—he is not chasing headlines, but addressing the infrastructure and operational issues that silently drive problems across the system. For residents, that means a sheriff who is thinking beyond the next news cycle and focusing on long-term, structural solutions.

Supporting deputies is at the heart of Brad’s vision for the sheriff’s office. He has emphasized that law enforcement officers cannot be expected to confront rising crime without strong leadership, proper resources, and clear policies that have their backs. As a veteran deputy and law enforcement leader, he knows exactly what it means to serve on the front line and the importance of morale in high-stress environments. His commitment to backing deputies is not just a campaign slogan—it flows from his own experience and his belief that safer communities start with empowered, well-trained, and well-supported officers.

Brad’s professional background extends beyond a badge and a uniform. He has proven leadership in operations, budgeting, and command responsibilities, all of which are critical for managing a complex county law enforcement agency. The sheriff’s office is a multi-million dollar organization responsible for personnel, detention facilities, and county-wide public safety initiatives, and Brad has the management experience to navigate those demands. In private security and business roles, he has also demonstrated an ability to work with diverse stakeholders, from government agencies to community groups and the private sector. That blend of public, federal, and private experience will help him build partnerships that reinforce public safety, rather than leaving the sheriff’s office to operate in isolation.

At a personal level, Brad presents himself as a family- and community-oriented candidate who wants to “Make Memphis Safe Again,” highlighting safety, community, and family as his core values. His messaging underscores a belief that everyone—regardless of neighborhood—deserves to feel secure at home, at work, and at school. He speaks to residents who are tired of feeling powerless against crime and are looking for a leader who both understands their frustration and has the professional background to act on it. With decades of service already invested in Shelby County, Brad’s run for sheriff is a continuation of that service, scaled up to the level where he can set the tone, policies, and priorities for the entire department.

In this election, voters have a chance to choose a sheriff who brings real-world experience, disciplined leadership, and a clear plan for safer streets and stronger institutions. Brad Less’s record—as a veteran Shelby County Deputy since 1997, a CGIS Special Agent, and a proven operations and budgeting leader—positions him to step into the role on day one with the knowledge and resolve the job demands. For Shelby County residents who want a sheriff focused on supporting deputies, fixing the jail system, and making Memphis safer for families and businesses, Brad Less offers a compelling and credible choice in 2026.