Salem Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Pollard has announced his candidacy for the City of Salem’s Commonwealth’s Attorney position in this November’s election.
Pollard, a Salem native, has been practicing law for 21 years. He has served the City of Salem as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for 14 years, and he has also gained valuable experience as a public defender and in private practice.
“The time I spent as a criminal defense attorney and in private practice was invaluable and because of those experiences, I simply became a much better lawyer,” he said. “I think it is important for a prosecutor to have experience in other areas of the law and to learn to approach each case with an independent mind.”
Over the course of his career, Pollard valued being able to learn from experienced attorneys including his current boss, Salem Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Bowers.
“Tom is not only a very effective prosecutor, but he is also a mentor who has always stressed the importance of integrity and leadership”, said Pollard. “I am proud that Tom has trusted me to be Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for the past nine years. Because of this experience, I am confident that I will be ready to lead the office from day one.”
Pollard’s involvement with the Salem Police Department dates back more than two decades. He began building relationships with officers and personnel during his time in college when he served as a DARE Camp counselor.
“Working with the police department and helping citizens across the city is a privilege,” he said. “I am lucky to say that I love coming to work each day.”
In addition to the local police department, Pollard has developed strong relationships with law enforcement agencies across southwest Virginia.
“Our strong ties with other police departments and with our regional drug and violent crime task force is vital in the effort to enforce our laws and protect the citizens of Salem,” he said.
When it comes to community safety, Pollard feels that crime prevention is just as important as enforcement.
“Our job as prosecutor begins before we even step foot in the courthouse,” he said. “We routinely work with schools, neighborhood groups and community leaders to assist with crime prevention and awareness.”
Pollard also intends to continue his office’s focus on serving the victims of crime. “Our cases do not end with the conviction of offenders. Victims of crime deserve to know that they are not alone during the process. Our staff shares the same goal and victim services take top priority from the outset of a case.”
“We deserve to live our lives focused on friends and family and in the unfortunate chance we are affected by crime, we deserve to know that those who do commit crimes are held accountable,” he said.
Pollard lives in Salem with his wife, Andi and children Claire, a rising 9th grader, and Graham, a rising 7th grader.
“I am running because we all share the same goals,” he said. “When we leave for work each morning, we want to know that our children are safe at school, that our spouses are safe on the road, and that our homes and property are safe from harm.”
