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My last two columns dealt with some of the accomplishments of the BCSO during 2007. We reduced the number of burglaries and thefts in the county and doubled arrests for those crimes. We shifted existing resources in order to increase patrols and put more deputies on the street. We reduced emergency response time and we reduced the number of outstanding warrants. Looking ahead to 2008, we will carry on this forward momentum by continuing to manage our resources effectively to maintain and improve services to Bradley County, just as we have done over the past 16 months. Of course, my primary goal is to protect citizens by preventing and reducing crime in our county. Another priority for this new year will be to continue working toward a merit pay plan in order to attract and retain qualified employees. It is vital that we adopt a more attractive salary and benefits package for our deputies in order to be competitive with other law enforcement agencies. It is detrimental to Bradley County and not in the best interests of our citizens to allow the pay disparity to continue to grow. With a 23 percent documented pay gap, the BCSO is in danger of becoming a training ground for other law enforcement agencies. It is costly and counterproductive to train deputies and give them hands-on experience, just to have them leave for better pay and incentives after a few years. This creates a huge and unnecessary expense for taxpayers. There is no reason Bradley County cannot and should not be competitive ~ and I am referring to the entire county, not just the BCSO. We can and should have a countywide merit pay plan like so many other professional, local governments have wisely adopted.
I also want to bring the salaries of the BCSO drug enforcement unit under the umbrella of the Sheriff’s budget. Currently, drug enforcement unit salaries are being paid from money and assets seized in drug arrests. This is not good public policy, as drug seizures are inconsistent and can vary greatly from year to year. We have a very honest, effective and transparent drug unit. I am proud of their hard work and do not want the potential to exist where they might be unjustly accused because of bad public policy. This policy was in place when I took office and it is one I will continue to address. Additionally, moving those salaries out of the drug fund will free up drug money so it can be used toward the purchase of much-needed equipment, allowable under law, such as helping to replace high-milage vehicles. Some deputies are driving patrol cars with over 250,000 miles on them. Not only is this unsafe for the deputies, it increases maintenance and fuel costs, creates a tremendous liability for the county and can jeopardize a timely response in emergencies.
I will also continue to work toward accreditation throughout the coming year. During 2007, we began rewriting our entire policy manual to conform to accreditation guidelines and adopting those polices as we went. We will continue this process until we meet accreditation standards. It is a process that takes time, but the result will greatly improve and enhance the professionalism of our entire operation and make the BCSO an innovative leader in the state.
I will continue to expand our inmate work program, which has proven to be a huge success. This program is win-win for everyone. The low-risk inmates who participate work hard helping to beautify the county and protect the environment. And the program allows them a sense of accomplishment by knowing they are contributing in a positive way to society. This program includes all public, city and county property and buildings, as well as some non-profit groups. If you know of any public roadways that need litter pick-up, contact your county commissioner or call us at 728-7300. Also, any non-profit organization that is interested in taking advantage of the inmate work program can call that same number to find out if they qualify.
I am also well pleased with the new video podcasts we have begun uploading to our website. The cost to air these podcasts is negligible, while the benefits are invaluable. By taking advantage of the Internet and utilizing the latest technology, we have opened a clear, unfiltered line of communication between the BCSO and the citizens of Bradley County. This is part of my continuing effort to modernize the Sheriff’s Office, offer citizens better access to BCSO operations and allow an avenue for people to express opinions, suggestions and concerns. Log on to our website often to view the latest podcasts. I welcome your feedback. Also, if you have any community event or program you would like for us to highlight on the video podcasts, contact J. M. Leonard at 728-7321.
You can also contact me directly by emailing comments@bradleysheriff.com. This email address is private and confidential and offers a direct line for folks to express themselves about any issue. It is also a good way to report suspicious or criminal activity in the community.
Of course, not everyone has access to a computer, so throughout the coming year I hope to continue using this space in the Cleveland Daily Banner to write this weekly column. I also do a radio show every other weekend hosted by BSCO Public Information Officer Bob Gault. The radio show airs every other Saturday at 12:05 p.m. on WBAC (1340 AM); and every other Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on WAYA (93.9 FM). Our next radio show will air on February 3, and I hope you will tune in. I welcome any medium that will improve communications between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
There are other goals we are actively pursuing here at the BCSO, but space is limited, so I will close for now. As always, the best way to keep up with all that’s happening at the Sheriff’s Office is by logging onto our official website on a regular basis: www.bradleysheriff.com.
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