SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch — looking for a full term in the job in next month’s election — is questioning her opponent’s commitment to law enforcement.

That opponent — retired Illinois State Trooper Marc Bell.

“I think we have a job that we have joined up to do, and we’re dedicated to do,” said Crouch, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch. “I’m not sure that I feel that he’s as supportive of what the mission of the Sheriff’s office should be.”

Crouch said that after saying she doesn’t necessarily think an elected law enforcement officer should be beholden to a political party.

“Marc and I may have law enforcement in our backgrounds, which is a common thing,” said Crouch. “I think our big difference would be, I feel like, I am, just say it, pro law enforcement. I am supportive of those that are out working the streets, my officers that are working in the correctional facilities.”

She was appointed to the job after the resignation of Jack Campbell following the shooting death of Sonya Massey, and believes she’s learned a lot about the office in two years.

“I was pretty fortunate coming in….that I was able to learn so much in these first two years about the Sheriff’s office, and then just really start a growth and kind of a new beginning for us here,” said Crouch.

Crouch was on the WTAX Morning Newswatch Tuesday as part of a series of interviews leading up to Election Day with local and statewide candidates. Bell will be on WTAX Friday at 7:40 a.m.