Experienced and Dedicated to Serve Our Community

Tracy Hopper

My name is Tracy Hopper. I am the wife of Terry Hopper for over 20 years. I’ve lived my entire life as a resident of Franklin County. I have two children Greg and Jessica and two grandchildren Grace and Robert. Currently, I’m employed by the Franklin County Public Schools where I provide support to teachers and students to improve learning outcomes. Prior to joining FCPS, I worked under the judicial system at the Administrative Office of the Courts as a Pretrial Officer and held the position of Supervisor. Over the course of my career, I served on staff at the Franklin County Jail holding several positions such as correctional officer, promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, and Staff Sergeant.

I am running for Jailer because I love Franklin County and I want our community to be the safest community across the state. When you work in the jail environment as I have, it is possible to see the challenges our community faces up close. I have seen the effects of the drug epidemic on our community, and I believe as jailer I could make a difference by proposing new solutions for our community.

Having a background that is familiar with the courts and the jail provides me with unique insights into both sides of the functions within the jail. Specifically, I understand the security and administrative sides of the work occurring in the jail. I gained this experience as Staff Sergeant at the jail and this leadership experience has helped prepare me for this role. I understand the importance of safety and security for both the community and the defendants within the jail. I also believe my experiences as a Pretrial Officer have allowed me a vantage point of understanding the legal rights of defendants while ensuring protection for the community. I believe treatment and rehab are solutions to many of the issues facing our county jail today and I would be honored to serve the county to utilize my experiences more intentionally. 

Focused on the Future

Areas of Focus Include:

I have three areas of focus and two of them are equally important to me. All are informed by what we are all living day-to-day as citizens of Franklin County.

First, the drug epidemic across the county must be addressed. We must have a different approach to the drug addiction problem within our community. Some may not be aware that within Franklin County and statewide, drug arrests and overdoses have doubled since the last election cycle. This could be your child, my child, or your neighbors at this rate. I will be addressing this issue as a top priority on my first day in office, as jailer. My goal will be to work alongside the Courts and Prosecutors with evidence-based solutions. Making the community safer will also restore hope with families that have been impacted.

Second, we are more aware of Mental Health issues among defendants.  Approximately, 20% of all inmates in jails, nationwide, are now estimated to have serious mental issues, and studies show that defendants with mental health issues serve longer than other inmates due to their inability to understand jail rules. Jail inmates are twice as likely to be charged with a facility rule violation or crime while incarcerated. This creates a serious burden on jail staff, the facility, and taxpayers because it cost more to incarcerate. Under my leadership I promise to propose new strategies and to collaborate differently with government and health entities to deliver better outcomes for those defendants and the community. 

My third focus as jailer is to reduce the operational costs associated with running the jail efficiently. I am confident that by addressing two of the biggest issues, previously mentioned, with different techniques and strategies we can reduce recidivism of Franklin County defendants. Eliminating the revolving door of seeing repeat offenders related to mental health and drug addiction, we can move one step closer to reducing the overall operating costs of the facility.

My previous job experience with the Court System has given me a different set of experiences to be able to propose different solutions for persistent problems within the community. I am solution orientated and I understand the importance of collaboration in order to truly respond and overcome the challenges we face, today.

For example, it wasn’t until April 2021, that we began hearing the jail was interested in starting the SAP program (SAP is a substance abuse program). We need this type of programming for not only state inmates but for county inmates, too. I will be more aggressive in my approach to bring forward more immediate solutions for all.  On my first day, I will launch a comprehensive review aim to upgrade all jail programs. I will partner with other agencies to help defendants and their families.

Most people in Franklin County don’t realize the importance of the role of the jail and the office of Jailer unless they know someone who is incarcerated. Every time someone is arrested it disrupts the family unit. It disrupts our community.  It is time to be a part of the solution and that is why I am running for the office of jailer. I want to ensure that Franklin County families feel safe by making the jail facility more secure. I also believe treatment and rehabilitation of defendants will help restore families once they re-enter society. And, I have a goal to serve as a good steward of tax dollars by running an effective and efficient operation. I look forward to this opportunity to serve the county as your next Jailer.

Contribute

We appreciate your support!  If you would like to make a contribution, you can contribute online or you can mail a check to Tracy Hopper for Jailer at:  

P.O. Box 4648

Frankfort, KY 40604

Maximum contributions allowed $2,000. Corporate contributions are prohibited. Contributions are not deductible for tax purposes. 

Community Support

Kick-Off

Pancake Breakfast

Contact Tracy