(Seguin) — Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray is continuing to lean on social media and local news outlets as key tools in his mission to keep the community informed about arrests, drug busts, and the county’s most wanted individuals.
Since taking office in January, Ray has maintained a steady presence online, often posting real-time updates that showcase the daily efforts of deputies and investigators.
While some social media users have raised concerns that the steady stream of posts paint the county in a negative light, the overwhelming majority of comments reportedly express support for the sheriff’s efforts to be open and accessible.
“I’m trying to highlight and be transparent with the county, the citizens of what we are doing and to show them basically how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and highlight the good work that our deputies and investigators are doing,” said Ray.
Ray says that transparency has been a “cornerstone of his administration and that showcasing arrests and criminal investigations is not about creating fear.” Instead, he says it’s about highlighting the reality of law enforcement’s day-to-day duties.
“They are doing a phenomenal job day in and day out,” said Ray. “They honestly put their life in harm’s way, and I think it’s important that we show the public what they are doing and there is not as many questions of what we are doing and even what goes on into the salaries of these deputies and what we are doing with the taxpayer’s dollars. I think that this just answers a lot of questions by putting the answers out there and showing them what we are doing.”
According to community comments, many believe that the frequent posts are not a reflection of too much crime. They say it’s evidence that the sheriff’s office is actively addressing criminal activity. In many cases, comments in these posts also describe this type of transparency as a deterrent for would-be offenders.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office has also begun highlighting featured segments on its social media platforms, such as its weekly “Wanted Wednesday” post and a Fugitive Friday “Top 10 Most Wanted” list.
The sheriff says these regular features are designed to keep the public informed and engaged.
The sheriff’s commitment to openness and transparency are also evident in other initiatives rolled out since he took office. This includes a new look for the department’s vehicles. The updated vehicle wraps feature a more vivid and modern design, making it easier for residents to quickly identify deputies on the street. Sheriff Ray says this is just another effort to ensure a “visual cue” that law enforcement is present and accessible in all areas of the county.
From redesigned patrol units to crime updates, Ray says the goal for his law enforcement office remains the same AND that’s to keep the public informed, engaged, and confident in the work that his team is doing.
Along with its partnership with local media, the public can find regular updates on the sheriff’s office via it’s Facebook and Instagram pages.