Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims starts third term, and takes on another role

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Margaret Mims was sworn in for her third term as Fresno County Sheriff. This year the sheriff will be taking on a new role. She'll also be the county's coroner. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors eliminated the elected position last year, ultimately voting to combine it with the sheriff's office.

At her swearing-in ceremony, Sheriff Mims said she hopes to hire new deputies and correctional officers, plus tackle budget issues. She says she remains focused on community-based policing, keeping Fresno County's jails in order and stopping marijuana-related crimes.

Sheriff Mims added, "There's been a dramatic decrease in violence in the marijuana grows since we've taken effect with our new ordinance and it truly is a model for other counties who are having the same issue to follow. We are going to be losing some federal money but we're still going to continue to do the job."

Fresno County supervisors initially combined the departments of sheriff and coroner to save money -- but some board members have concerns that it could actually cost the county money and create a conflict of interest.