Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department Capt. Manuel "Manny" Gonzales III says he will declare his candidacy at noon Saturday.

His kick off event is scheduled to take place at the Albuquerque Tortilla Factory.

"Our citizens are entitled to modern and effective public safety services and the opportunity to live their lives without fear of criminal activity and violence in our neighborhoods," Gonzales said in a news release issued Thursday. "I have strong feelings and a plan about what needs to be done; make it our priority to fight crime, advocate for the victims, proactively protect citizens through crime prevention and building relationships within the community to reduce crime rates. As sheriff I intend to see to it that our community receives that opportunity and those services."

Gonzales' election Website is at mannyforsheriff.com.