Jeff Schwende for Constable

Jeff Schwende wants to be known as the “blue collar constable.”

“Basically I want to give back to the community — that’s why I’m employed here,” Schwende said.

Schwende is running for Precinct 1 Constable, which covers much of West Odessa.

He’s currently an associate professor in criminal justice at Odessa College.

Schwende said he believes the constituency in West Odessa is somewhat of a blue-collar community.

“The theory being that people who are not blue collared may be, might be dealt with in some ways differently, and I just want to bring that to everybody. So I though the ‘blue collar constable’ concept was somewhat interesting,” he said.

The associate professor began his career in the military after graduating high school in New York. And his experience is something he touts.

“As far as leadership is concerned, I think I’ve learned a lot of that in the military both as a private (and) all the way up the ranks,” Schwende said. “And my leadership experience in the sheriff’s office, 10 years as a lieutenant, is somewhat a kind of qualification.”

Schwende’s 30 years of law enforcement experience includes working alongside the police department and sheriff’s office.

“With that interaction I’m hoping to be able to serve the citizens out there in a more proficient way,” he said.

“I think, because I am well known in the sheriffs office and PD, that I will be able to help them as well as back their units up if they need it,” Schwende said.

>> Name: Geoffrey (Jeff) Schwende.

>> Age: 61.

>> How long have you lived in Ector County? I have lived in Odessa 31 years.

>> What office, if any do you hold now? None.

>> Occupation: Associate Professor of Criminal Justice (12 years).

>> Education: Master's of Science (Criminal Justice) Sul Ross State University; Bachelors of Science (Criminal Justice) John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Associate of Applied Science (Legal Assistant) Midland College; Rice High School (N.Y.).

>> Family: I’ve been married to Ellen for 27 years and have two grown daughters, Deidre and Debbie.

>> Why are you seeking this office? I am retired from the Ector County Sheriff’s Office and am presently employed by Odessa College as an associate professor of criminal justice. My police training and experience encompasses 30 years. I seek this office to continue to serve Ector County citizens in a proactive environment and to effectively and efficiently assist local law enforcement agencies in the service of civil and criminal process.

>> What are the issues and where do you stand on them? The issues center around experience, education and proactivity. My 30 years law enforcement experience, including 12 years as a primary instructor at the Odessa College Police Academy, is an asset for the citizens in the service of civil and criminal process.