The Gist
Sheriff, Kenton County

Robert "Tom" Collins

Candidate for Sheriff, Kenton County

Democratic

Background

Occupation
Retired police chief
Lives in
Morning View

A retired police chief of Ludlow and of Newport, where he led the department from 2012 to 2019, he chairs the managing board of the Piner-Fiskburg Fire District.

Report

Documented positions

Public safety

  • Proposes a civil disturbance team for large crowds and events

    He included political demonstrations as well as public festivals and events.

    Tom Collins: 2026 candidate profile

    News coverage · LINK nky · linknky.com

    “Collins advocated establishing a civil disturbance team to provide training and guidance for handling crowded events that could get out of hand.”
    Report

  • Proposes a missing persons team in the sheriff's office

    Tom Collins: 2026 candidate profile

    News coverage · LINK nky · linknky.com

    “He also advocated for the establishment of a missing persons team.”
    Report

  • Supports expanding the office's assistance to other agencies

    Larry Shelton defeats Jude Hehman in Kenton County Sheriff GOP primary

    News coverage · LINK nky · May 19, 2026 · linknky.com

    “there’s a lot of programs and a lot of things that they could be doing and should be doing as assistance to other agencies”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Opposes political appointments based on friendship over fitness

    LINK nky reported he was likely referring to the appointment of Jude Hehman as sheriff.

    Tom Collins: 2026 candidate profile

    News coverage · LINK nky · linknky.com

    “I was inspired to run by many citizens who reached out to me after witnessing political appointments based on friendship, rather than fitness for office”
    Report

All sources (3)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.