Monroe Marshal Candidates Debate Office Improvements
Incumbent Robert Cherry Jr. and challenger Chris Lewis shared competing plans for the Monroe Marshal office.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Live Poll
Should local marshal candidates prioritize school safety initiatives over general administrative and security upgrades?
Monroe Marshal candidates Robert Cherry Jr. and Chris Lewis recently discussed potential improvements for the agency ahead of the upcoming election. The two candidates offered distinct visions for courthouse security and administrative operations.
Why it matters
The Office of the Monroe Marshal is responsible for serving warrants, making arrests, and providing security for the City Court, making the direction of the office a matter of public safety and efficiency. Both candidates aim to modernize the department to address long-standing operational needs.
The current metal detectors used for court security have been in service for at least 10 years. Court business operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The players
Robert Cherry Jr.
Robert Cherry Jr. is the incumbent Monroe Marshal currently seeking to maintain his position in office.
Chris Lewis
Chris Lewis is a local businessman who is running as a candidate for the office of the Monroe Marshal.
The details
Incumbent Robert Cherry Jr. proposed training deputies for school resource officer roles and upgrading existing courthouse security cameras to improve safety. Businessman Chris Lewis suggested partnering with the Families In Need of Services program to combat juvenile delinquency while introducing text message reminders for court appearances.
Timeline
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM: Daily courthouse operating hours.
Legal Context
The candidate's proposal to partner with the Families In Need of Services program reflects a broader trend of integrating social services into law enforcement strategy. This approach represents a shift in local penal strategies from traditional enforcement to early intervention.
Residents may see changes in courthouse security protocols or administrative processes depending on which candidate wins the election. Improved court appearance reminders and upgraded security infrastructure could lead to more efficient court operations and enhanced safety for the public.
The takeaway
The election presents voters with a choice between focusing on internal infrastructure upgrades versus community-based outreach initiatives. Both candidates prioritize modernizing the marshal office to improve upon the current decade-old equipment.
Further reading
For more information on the office, see our Monroe Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoe.
Live Poll
Should local marshal candidates prioritize school safety initiatives over general administrative and security upgrades?
