NATCHEZ — After 16 years of law enforcement experience, Cliff Cox has entered the Adams County Sheriff’s race with the hope that he will be able to bring a positive change to the county in which he grew up.

Cox, 38, said he has dedicated much of his life and education to keeping the county safe.

After graduating from Trinity Episcopal Day School, Cox went on to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice.

Cox said his first law enforcement job was when he worked as a major at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

This story is part of a series of stories featuring the eight candidates for Adams County Sheriff. The candidates will be featured in alphabetical order between Oct. 5-8.

Cox was later named commander of Metro Narcotics.

“(My qualifications) are the experience that I’ve gained on our streets as a professional law official along with my formal education that I have in criminal justice,” Cox said.

Cox said his motivation for being Adams County’s next sheriff stems from a sense of protecting his home.

“All of my kids and family all live here,” Cox said.

And in order to better protect not only his family, but his community as well, Cox said there are certain changes that need to be made within the sheriff’s office.

“I’d like to see more deputies on the street and more training for the deputies, which will make them more proactive,” Cox said.

“(The sheriff) leads the largest crime-fighting organization in Adams County,” Cox said.

With that kind of responsibility, Cox said the right person for the job will need to have a background that will ensure his or her effectiveness as sheriff.

And according to Cox, he’s got the credentials.

“It comes through education and experience, and that’s all been gained on our streets here through all the numerous law enforcement training classes I’ve completed,” Cox said. “I have a vast knowledge of the field of law enforcement.”

“Crime will not be tolerated,” Cox said. “I’ll run the sheriff’s department with compassion and always have an open-door policy. Access will be easy with me.”

Cox is one of eight Adams County sheriff candidates.

The special election will be Nov. 3.