John Atkin, a Republican, is running for Davis County sheriff in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Atkin, a police sergeant at the Davis County Sheriff's Office, said he has lived in Davis County for more than 25 years, according to the Standard-Examiner. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
This profile is based on the candidate's responses to questionnaires, the candidate's campaign website and public records. Positions described below reflect the candidate's own statements unless otherwise noted.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Davis County Sheriff
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Residence: Davis County (more than 25 years, according to the candidate)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Weber State University (2015); certificate in paramedic/emergency medical services, Weber State University
Experience and public service
Atkin holds several roles in law enforcement and the military, according to the Standard-Examiner and BallotReady profile data.
At the Davis County Sheriff's Office, Atkin has served as a police sergeant, SWAT team member and team leader, internal affairs investigator, and criminal investigator. He also served on the Davis County Child Abduction Task Force.
In the military, Atkin said he originally enlisted in the Army as a private first class in the Military Police Corps, then transferred to the Air Force Security Forces, where he rose to technical sergeant, according to his campaign website. He said he deployed as the noncommissioned officer in charge of base-wide small arms and ammunition, defending a U.S. military installation of more than 1,200 personnel on a 12-month activation.
Atkin has served as a captain in the Utah Air National Guard since 2015, according to BallotReady. He said he holds an active top-secret clearance as a commissioned Air Force intelligence officer with more than 14 years of military experience.
He also worked as a law enforcement ranger at the Utah Department of Natural Resources from 2016 to 2017 and has served as a firefighter and paramedic at North Davis Fire District since 2022, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
Staffing and retention: Atkin identified staffing and retention as major challenges at the Davis County Sheriff's Office, saying the department is approximately 85% staffed and that retention is about 50% after the first three years. He called it "one of the biggest plagues" facing the department and said he would invest in deputies and improve mentorship, according to the Standard-Examiner.
Public safety and crime prevention: Atkin said he would lead with "aggressive enforcement and strategic prevention," working to dismantle criminal networks while investing in education, early intervention and community partnerships, according to his campaign website. He said he would collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, schools, nonprofits and faith-based organizations.
Cybercrime: Atkin said he would seek to establish a specialized cybercrime investigator within the department. The position would carry advanced technical expertise and federal deputization to pursue offenders across jurisdictions. He said the role would focus on protecting residents from digital threats, fraud and exploitation. He also said he would use artificial intelligence responsibly to enhance crime prevention and optimize patrol deployment.
ICE cooperation: Atkin said he supports the Jail Enforcement Model for ICE cooperation, which identifies and processes removable aliens with criminal or pending criminal charges who are arrested by local law enforcement. He said he does not support the Task Force Model or Warrant Service Officer Program for Davis County due to current staffing challenges, preferring to focus on arresting criminals rather than seeking people solely for immigration status, according to the Standard-Examiner.
Constitutional rights: Atkin said law enforcement must operate with transparency, accountability and respect for individual liberties. He said he would protect all rights, including free speech, lawful assembly, privacy, due process and the right to bear arms.
Endorsements
- Multiple local elected officials, Davis County cities, county, and state legislature
Atkin said he has received more than 20 endorsements from local elected officials, including mayors of cities within Davis County, county commissioners, previous sheriffs and state legislators, according to the Standard-Examiner. Specific names were not provided.
