Sheriff Matt Clifford is a lifelong resident of Idaho who grew up in the small mining town of Mullan. After graduating from BSU, Matt began his career in law enforcement and has worked for the Ada County Sheriff’s Office for over 24 years. His career experience consists of: Detention Deputy, Patrol Deputy, K9 Handler, Patrol Trainer, Patrol and Court Transport Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and he served as the Chief of Police in the City of Eagle.

Sheriff Clifford was appointed to serve as Ada County Sheriff by the Board of County Commissioners in June 2021 and was elected as the Ada County Sheriff in 2022.

Sheriff Clifford proudly aligns with the mission of his office - to keep Ada County a safe place to live, work and play - and he diligently holds himself and every one of his commissioned deputies, 911 dispatchers, and professional staff accountable to the values of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office:

• Integrity - People can trust us to always do the right thing - both personally and professionally.

• Service - We care about the people we serve and always try to help them.

• Dedication - We are expected to work harder and "go the extra mile" for each other and for members of our communities.

• Attitude - The positive way we interact with others and approach our responsibilities makes all the difference in the world.

Along with the values of his office, Sheriff Matt Clifford has deep-seated family values, he is a committed husband and father. He and his wife Karen have been married 25 years, and he recently had the honor of walking their daughter down the isle at her own wedding.

Sheriff Clifford has sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States & the State of Idaho including the 2nd Amendment and all of the other freedoms we enjoy here in Ada County. Additionally, he recognizes the following as his primary areas of focus as the Ada County Sheriff:

• Community Policing, Relations & Crime Prevention - Sheriff Clifford places a top priority on community policing, relations, and crime prevention. His focus remains steadfast on strengthening community ties through outreach, communication, and addressing citizen needs. Over the past three years, the Sheriff’s Office has expanded its community outreach team, launched the "Navigating the Ada County Criminal Justice System" program, participated in National Night Out, collaborated with numerous HOAs, and educated senior citizens to help reduce fraud.

• The Opioid Crisis & Drug Enforcement - Sheriff Clifford takes the opioid crisis and drug enforcement very seriously, emphasizing a multi-faceted approach. This includes rigorous enforcement through proactive policing, cooperation with Treasure Valley Task Forces, and protecting citizens from the crisis at the southern border. Effective communication with southern border sheriffs, using real data, and advocating to federal representatives are key to Idaho’s defense. Proactive community outreach, support programs, and educational initiatives, both inside and outside the jail, are essential in fighting the war on fentanyl. Proactive policing has already seized enough fentanyl to deliver a lethal dose to every citizen in Ada County.

• The Mental Health Crisis - Sheriff Clifford is dedicated to enhancing the response to mental health crises. He has strengthened the Crisis Intervention Team by adding another clinician to accompany deputies on mental health calls and has significantly improved the recruitment and retention of nursing staff in the Ada County Jail's Health Services Unit. Additionally, the Sheriff supports initiatives like the Ada County Mental Health Symposium to address these critical issues.

• Officer Training & Accountability - Sheriff Clifford is committed to officer training and accountability, focusing on equipping deputies with proper use of force techniques through scenario-based training and the latest policing tactics. This includes a new force options simulator and ongoing de-escalation training.

• Financial Responsibility - Sheriff Clifford has successfully and responsibly managed a $115 million budget, identifying ways to save taxpayer money, including cutting $1.7 million for reappropriation in the FY 2025 budget. His efficient resource management ensures officers receive the necessary training, equipment, and support within budgetary constraints.

• Disaster Preparedness, including Technology & Cybersecurity - Sheriff Clifford prioritizes disaster preparedness by enhancing technological capabilities, including the use of body cameras and implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect operations and sensitive data.

• Recruiting & Retention - Sheriff Clifford prioritizes recruiting and retaining skilled personnel, ensuring a motivated, well-compensated, and highly trained workforce. He also established a recruiting officer position at the Sheriff's Office to address these challenges.