Too often, law enforcement only shows up when something goes wrong. That’s not how trust is built—and it’s not how lasting safety is achieved.

Under Sheriff Idleburg, too many Lake County communities—especially schools, neighborhoods of color, and faith institutions—feel disconnected from the Sheriff’s Office. That disconnect weakens public trust and makes it harder to keep people safe.

Roman Buchberger knows there’s a better way.

Roman helped launch a pilot mentorship program at a local elementary school that brought Sheriff’s deputies into the school—not as enforcers, but as role models. Those visits had a measurable impact: improved academic performance, fewer behavioral incidents, and a visible shift in how students saw law enforcement.

Roman wants to expand that model across Lake County. By building consistent, positive relationships between deputies and young people, we can foster a generation that sees law enforcement not as outsiders, but as trusted community partners—and even a noble career path.

But Roman’s commitment to engagement doesn’t stop at schools or neighborhood meetings.

He believes rehabilitation is a form of community safety, too.

Incarceration shouldn't be a dead end—it should be a turning point. That’s why Roman will work with the College of Lake County and other partners to bring life skills, job training, and education directly into the jail. The goal: help inmates use their time productively, so they reenter society with hope, dignity, and a real shot at success.

As Sheriff, Roman will:

• Expand school outreach programs modeled after the his original pilot program—bringing deputies into schools for friendly, relationship-building visits and mentorship;

• Show up personally at town halls, neighborhood meetings, and community events—listening first and leading by example;

• Strengthen partnerships with faith leaders, nonprofits, civic groups, and business leaders to better understand and respond to each community concern;

• Invest in jail-based rehabilitation programs—offering justice impacted individuals tools for personal growth and reentry success;

• After care programs working with individuals post-release with housing and transportation assistance; 

• Support early intervention strategies for mental health and youth conflict—so law enforcement becomes part of the solution before problems escalate.

Roman’s philosophy is simple: public safety starts with public trust. That trust isn’t built in crisis—it’s built in consistent, human relationships. And that’s exactly how he’ll lead.

Because the safest communities are the ones that know, respect, and trust the people who protect them—and where even those who’ve stumbled have a path back.