If You're not SWAT, then you're just NOT!

This phrase and several variations on the theme are currently swirling all over our beloved agency these days. Although at first glance one might think this a recruiting slogan for the SWAT team what it really means is much more involved. Under the current administration (Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Commanders) those who are, were, or have shown themselves "worthy" to be on the SWAT team roster have found their advancement potential increasing exponentially since the Sheriff took office in January 2005.

They swept into office promising a house cleaning of wonderful proportions, fat trimming in all non-essential areas, and most importantly, moving sworn personnel from administrative functions to law enforcement.

Well a year and a half later and what do we have?

An administration that is more top heavy now than it ever was under the former Sheriffs. A cadre of SWAT trained, self-promoting, type A personality Commanders, Majors, and even Lieutenants who meet regularly to pat each other on the back and tell themselves how lucky we all are to have them in charge. Those who are or were a friend to any of the top three or four leaders are in like Flynn. One guy was made a Major, then handed a Commander's position, WITHOUT having to give up his beloved position as the SWAT team director (read as: getting $100,000/yr. to do a $55,000/yr. job.) Units that could be, should be, and have been run by Sergeants are now run by Lieutenants or Majors. The civilian Public Information Officer was replaced by a Sergeant who was quickly elevated to Lieutenant. The civilian Chief Administration Officer who has ZERO law enforcement, corrections, or court services experience was added to the chain of command and is now #3 in charge of the agency. If the Sheriff and Chief Deputy are out of county or out of touch this guy now has full authority to direct police operations.

The secret to their success so far has been confusion, obfuscation, and an ivory tower mentallity to rival any kingdom of legend. Those with favor can jump the chain of command at will without problem, while those without favor are derided and threatened with punishment for their impertinent behaviour. They present a united front to all comers. They squash the bad news as they exhault the good, the lame, and the ridiculous. Anything to distract the media, the staff, the county commissioners, and the public from their failure to DO ANYTHING of lasting value to reduce crime, improve service, improve neighborhoods, or improve the public's trust in us.

On paper they saved the county millions of dollars, when in reality they have squandered each and every opportunity they have had to promote change for the better, change for the future, change from the same old stuff to new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Their current plan seems to be one of, 'just enough'. Just Enough to get us through four years. Just Enough to keep the media off our backs. Just Enough to keep the minority populations from noticing the distinct lack of color, gender, and ethnicity in our Command structure.

I am saddened that after a campaign which promised change, progress, and partnerships, all we have is status quo, stagnation, and unbridled favoritism for a select few.

9 7 8 days to go till a new election and I already regret each and every one. I am sorry I cannot do more to serve my community, my fellow citizens, or my county the way they deserve to be served.

PERHAPS I SHOULD RUN FOR SHERIFF????????????????????????

What Happened to Higher Standards?

In ten short years I have noticed a disturbing trend in Police recruiting. Due to an apparent lack of qualified candidates agencies are resorting to lowering their recruiting standards, some to rediculous levels. Ten years ago if you EVER used a hard drug such as COCAINE or HEROIN you could not be employed as an officer. Even Marijauna use was restricted to between five and seven years prior to application to be considered for employment. But today, as long as you are not CURRENTLY using Cocaine, Heroin, or other hard drugs and had your last toke on a joint before you submitted your application...YOU'RE HIRED!!!! Although each department sets its own standards, many are relaxing not only thier drug policies, but also their CRIMINAL ACTIVITY/HISTORY standards. No SERIOUS Felonies...You're Hired! No RECENT DUI arrests....You're Hired!

W.T.F.!!!!!

I'm sorry but I as a citizen MUST demand more of the person who is supposed to come to my aid. I do not want a convicted felon protecting my family. I do not want a "recreational" doper assigned to get the drug dealers out of my town. I do not want the guy who claims, "I can quit drinking any time I want to, I just drink to relax", driving on the same streets as my wife and children.

Finding and hiring a GOOD cop IS SUPPOSED TO BE HARD!.....DUH! Not everyone can be an astronaut, or a surgeon, or even a mechanic. Certain careers need certain people with a particular gift, be it for astro-physics, anatomy and physiology, or even mechanical ability. A surgeon would make a lousy mechanic and the mechanic an even lousier surgeon. So what are these agencies thinking when they hire uninspired, financially motivated, wanna be a TV cop types and then complain about the retention rate (as they leave for better paying jobs), the lawsuits (as lawyers line up to file their VIOLATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS suits), the lost productivity ("cuz a needed a day off, man!), and the poor community support (your cops are a bunch of arrogant pr**ks).

Being a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, or Trooper is a specialized calling for a special type of person. We DO NOT expect to get rich, we DO NOT want the spotlight, we respect EVERYONE'S rights (even the bad guy's), and if our squad / unit / division needed help we'll come in on our only days off to help, we'll work the overtime, cover a holiday, help a partner, or do whatever else needs to be done to protect our community, our partners, and our friends. We serve in a way that our HONOR, DEDICATION, and COMMITMENT TO DUTY is evidenced by what we do every day.

I say, if you are working as an officer, currently in a training academy, or just thinking about a career in law enforcement and you do not agree with what I have said, do me a favor and find another career. Law enforcement is NOT for you! However, if you can make the commitment of your time, your abilities, and your heart I would be proud to have you as my zone partner.

As for the administration's mis-guided attempts to improve recruitment, it will only end up costing them much, much more later as they try to put more people on the street now. I hope you don't mind paying more taxes to cover their mistakes!?!?