This site was created as a way for Cobb Police Officers to stay informed about what is going on in their department and speak their mind without fear of reprisal
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
July open comments
46 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Take a look at the SPLOST list for Public Safety. http://www.cobbcounty.org/images/documents/SPLOST2016/DPS/SPLOST_2016_DPS_Final_SPLOST_to_Chairman_070214.pdf
I think it's pretty funny that 21 of the 39 line items in the priority list are for the Fire Dept which has it's own county fire tax. All of the remaining 17 items are Animal Control, 911 / Radios and Police. 911 gets revenue from the 911 tax we pay on every cellphone in the county.
Animal Control fails under the Police Dept. We are a non-revenue generating entity in the county.
.....so you can all imagine how this is going to pan out.
The part that really boggles my mind is that none of this is really all that hard to figure out. The citizens can see it, why can't the commissioners. Another issue is all that commissioners agree that Public Safety is a priority yet nobody wants to dig into any of their reserves to pay for needed improvements. Fixing the issues in the Police Dept is exactly what we have reserve funds for. As a result, I can't help but think that is nothing more than kicking the can down the road while the commissioners posture politically.
Brothers and Sisters. I encourage you to become as involved as you can. If you are an FOP member, you should attend the meetings. Even if you feel that "they" are not doing anything to help, taking the time for "you" to learn the processes and the players can be of benefit. The Commissioners are holding SPLOST Town Hall Meetings all around the county. You should go and learn more about the SPLOST. The citizens will ask you questions while you are there. Give them an honest and professional answer.
While at one such Town Hall, a citizen came to talk to me about speeding on her road. I explained that there are only typically 8 officers watching the entire precinct area, and that was on a good day. I also told her that retention issues have left us with very few officers who are certified to operate speed detection devices. Her answer was, "You need more police officers".
Educate yourself by becoming involved. For example, I learned that the radios that are being replaced are a DPS thing, not a 911 thing. The 911 tax covers salaries and equipment within 911. It does not cover repeater towers and portable/vehicle equipment. Motorola no longer makes the radios we carry, so the ability to service them is about to expire. I also learned that the police have not recieved anything in the last couple of SPLOST allocations.
Several items, such as the MARTA Connection were moved from Tier I to Tier II. That may help us. If the SPLOST were to pass, everything on Tier I would get handled before they begin looking at Tier II projects. Take home cars and fenced in secure police parking lots are on the Tier I list.
But despite all of that stuff, the most important thing is our fellow officers...our beat partners. This blog should be used for discussing solutions to problems and helping each other come up with better ideas that we can present to whomever we need to present them. The "Ducimus Speaker" and the FOP are the avenues for getting those ideas before the decision makers.
Please do not allow stress and low morale to cause us to turn on each other, for then we will have nothing left...no hope for anything. The community does not know how bad things are because Cobb Police Officers do what it takes to help each other and to get the job done. We strive to maintain professionalism and standards that are above other departments. The answer is not to lower our standards, to throw ineffective tantrums, or to stop providing the best protection we can to our citizens. If we do, then we may as well be the City of Atlanta or DeKalb, or any other department we hold ourselves above. We must educate ourselves, and educate our citizens. But most importantly, we must take care of each other.
Leave if you must. Seek the opportunities that are the best for you and your family. I am going to stay here and work to make this department better. If not for me, then for the officers I will turn it over to when I am done.
I am very proud of the men and women I work with at precinct 3......tonight they are running with 5 cars...for the decision makers at 100 Cherokee Street that means they are operating with half the beats filled....To put it into perspective for you precinct 3 has ten beats or zones to cover on a given shift....This has not changed in almost 2 decades, but the population has probably increased well over 200,000 people in that time frame. Mr. Ott your entire precinct with hundreds of thousands of residents is being served by 5 police officers tonight...and please don't call the precinct commander in the morning to complain, because he is out humping a beat right now with his troops, so I hope he will be sleeping... You will never notice that there are so few officers out there, because of the incredible job these guys do day in and day out.. I don't have the ability to give you guys what you deserve, but for what its worth I am extremely proud and honored to serve with you everyday.....and we will handle the calls one at a time officer safety first.
Glad to see the supervisors stepping up. That's what this department needs more of. Good leadership does a lot for morale. I always respect a boss who doesn't forget what it's like to answer calls with the guys. Pct 3 seems to suffer from poor morale because of a few select supervisors. Maybe they can do a little self reflection and turn things around down there.
Who says the commissioners/Hankerson can't see it? The issue is that they DO NOT CARE. As long as Hankerson gets his fat bonus every year he could not care less how we suffer. And as long as the commissioners keep getting re-elected so they can push their own little agendas they do not care what happens to us or how the county as a whole suffers. It doesn't even enter into their train of thought. They've proven that by their actions.
I find it ironic that we have this book that is used as study material for sergeant/lieutenant testing, the "It's Your Ship" leadership book. Yet the vast majority of the leaders in this department, from sergeant all the way up, do not follow any of the basic leadership principles from this book or any other basic leadership class. One of the biggest examples of this I see is how shift sergeants and lieutenants act like their people are incompetent. If it looks like there even MIGHT be a fingerprint on a burglary it's Oh you guys better call a detective. There's just no way you could handle something as difficult as throwing a little fingerprint powder around. Or if somebody thinks their neighbor stole something Oh there's no way you guys can go talk to the suspect you'll "screw up" the case. Only detectives have the magical powers that allow them to go talk to people...... Those ties just make people confess. Part of any leader's job is to mentor those under them to advance in their careers. If these officers aren't being taught that it's part of THEIR JOB to complete a basic crime scene investigation how will they ever hope to become a detective? If they ever do become one they won't have a clue what to do. We treat our patrol officers in this department as if they are nothing more than gun toting secretaries. It's OK for them to write a report and lock up somebody with a suspended license. But if it's anything more complex than that they need to run and hide and turn it over to a detective. Really? And we wonder why they leave this place in droves. If you take away all the parts of this job that make it the least bit interesting and challenging and expect them to just write reports why would they stay? Nobody in history has ever had the desire to become a cop because they wanted to write a lot of meaningless reports. The sergeants, lieutenants, and captains who encourage this sort of behavior should know who they are. Wake up, it's time to change.
I am very concerned that Precinct 3 had to work with only half the beats filled, one of which was by a Precinct Commander. Special Operations units are having to divert from their normal duties to answer barking dog calls...that is not right. When they are done answering calls, their work load is still waiting on their desks.
If you are involved, if you are doing your part to inform, if you are out spreading the word, then you already know that the message is starting to be received. We now have 2 or 3 of the commissioners who are beginning to respond on our behalf. If you have spoken to the Chief directly, then you know he gets it too. Becareful about what the majority is saying until you know first hand.
Here is the reason for my post, so pay special attention...observe and judge for yourself what I am about to point out. We are tired....exhausted even. Short staffing is taking its toll. Officer injuries are occurring more frequently. So are bad decisions and officer safety in being effected or affected....or infected, whichever suits you the best.
If you feel refusing to work over to help your officers is the answer, I ask you to reconsider. I would rather be there to take care of you, my fellow officers, than to see one of you get hurt. Five officers fill ten beats and the calls get answered at half the price. You can pay 5 officers to work 10 beats? Seems like a deal. Perhaps they would notice 5 more officers making time and a half to support the other 5 scheduled officers. I'll collect the extra money if that's what it takes. I've been here for awhile, so that's like part time money for me...to keep you and the next officer safe. Yeah, I'll do that.
If I must, I will finish my shift at my precinct and then drive to Precinct 3 and hold down a beat. Wonder how that would sound? You mean to tell me that we have officers from other precincts working over in precincts to which they are not assigned? That's obsurd...someone should do something about that. I like that news story much better than, Cobb Officer Killed Because of Lack of Backup."
You guys and girls are my family. I know you by the sound of your voice on the radio. We discuss things going on in our personal lives with each other. We are friends on FaceBook. I do not want to stand by your grave, or put you through standing by mine. I'll take a bullet that was intended for you if I can in order to save your life. So yeah, I will take up the beat next to yours as well instead of going home if that's what it takes.
I heard tonight that a Cobb Officer was injured in a car crash...and I became scared. I started the process of notifications to people who were not working. I prepared to go to the hospital because one of my friends....a former shiftmate...was hurt in a car crash. I was relieved to find out the officer was okay and that the transport to the hospital was precautionary. I don't like that drill...I don't like that feeling. It sucks...it's terrifying. Like being called at 0213 hours and waking up to the notification that one of your friends was shot mulitple times. I've had that happen twice now...for some of the older guys, it has been far too many times.
Think what you like about this post. Express your thoughts and strike up a healthy debate if that furthers our cause. But please listen to this.....July has not been kind to the Cobb Police. Robbie Ingram, Steve Gilnder, Steve Reeves, Jorge Mestre, Danny Rogers....Pay extra close attention, watch out extra close for your beat partner, stick to your training.
Food for thought. In Case you have not realized. Cobb County Police as a whole does not think much of its agency. You see, detectives are no more than officers without the uniform. To become a detective here at cobb police, all you have to do is put in your letter and it is a lateral transfer. A detective has no more power than officers and in some cases has less knowledge of the situation. They DO NOT have the final say of how the case should be handled. That is up to the initial investigating officer. We only call them to inform them of the situation because supervisors or policy dictates. So, I say why waste the time and finish the investigation and close the case. Quit worrying about going back in service in such a rush supervision. Hammer up town for better pay and incentives so that enough officers are on duty for cases to be worked properly.
I personally am happy to see someone striking up healthy debate on this subject. It has bothered me since the beginning to see so many people support leaving beats open. I get it. Things suck. I agree. We want our voice to be heard, but it is not. The tipping point was the Sunday night when four officers showed up to work 10 beats in pct3. I commend the captain for humping a beat with his guys in their time of need. Supervisors should feel the pain that the patrol officers feel so they understand and I am glad to see he volunteered and got his hands dirty. I think this should become a standard. Like the above post said, how do you think the news article would look if it reported all shift commanders and pct commanders could not do their regular duties because they were working beats. Of for a resident to see a captain working a 41. They would say thats odd and probably ask them some questions. Great opportunity for the public to see the staffing issue first hand. Maybe the commissioner should be told the chief and headquarters staff couldn't make their meeting week after week because they were working a beat because we are so short. I'd like to see Tim Lee's reaction when he calls the chiefs phone and he has to wait hours for a call back because the chief is busy answering calls. I know it will never happen but it should.
My response to the above post is where is the changes you people promised? For months senior officers have been posting for us not to work open beats. To not work our off days. To not stay over. You said to let the beats stay open because people would see and things would change. Silence from the board and Hankerson. Your plan has not worked and there has been a drastic increase in injuries to junior officers in pct3. I think its time to rethink that opinion. No one is being forced to work overtime. Some people dont have wives or kids. Some people are hard up financially. If u dont want to work over then fine. Dont. But let these people make their own choices and pad their pockets with overtime dollars if they choose. They are providing for their families better, helping lighten the load on shifts that are short, its another set of eyes watching your back. I only see it as a good thing. I believe the whole "let them see how bad it is" argument is dead. That ship has sailed. 4 officers showed up to work 10 beats. No one cared. If I am wrong let me know but im tired of watching my brothers and sisters get hurt so you can make a point that no one is getting.
Good point. When and officer does not come to work it does not mean that his or her job is not getting done. It means someone else has to do the work that would have been handled by the absent officer. This is why we are tired. Instead of spreading the reports out, just a few have to handle them all. I see officers at the precinct hours after their shift has ended still working on reports. Exhaustion in this profession is dangerous. You have to be aware, alert, and tactical. Cutting corners or diverting from training causes injury or death. If I do not do everything I am supposed to on a call for service, then someone else has to finish it in follow up or the next time that same call is dispatched. Like the detectives said in the prior posts, the only difference between a patrol officer and a detective is the type of clothes they wear and what it says at the top of the badge. We waste so much time not following through on investigations. What is it that the detective is supposed to do from his desk that you cannot do at the scene with fresh evidence?
But I understand. Open beats do not allow for mor thorough investigations. So therefore, we need to step up and help each other out. It sucks right now, but changes will have to happen...there is no choice. In the meantime, we cannot let our standards continue to decline. I can do it at my regular pay, or I can do it at overtime pay. That is a choice they will have to make.
Supervisors, do not be afraid to ask for help from other shifts...other units...other precincts even. Get your people the help they need. There is no precinct designation on my badge, my uniform, or my patch...I am Cobb County. I will go where I am needed.
It is nice to hear that officers want to be there for their brothers and sisters in blue. That is exactly what our decision makers are preying upon. They know that people who choose this line of work are loyal and usually people with integrity. Over time this too can diminish and some start looking at their own personal gains and promotions. They lose their integrity and become self centered. Some have become JOB SCARED. Scared to speak the truth for fear of reprisal! Some hate hearing the truth and have the power of the pen to impede another’s progression if you speak up and tell them that they are wrong or their decision making is crap. We are a department that has several in power who fit that description to a tee. They know who they are and walk around as if they are untouchable and refuse to take care of those in the trenches. It is not all, but definitely enough to be noticed throughout the department. It is up to each individual that wears the police uniform under the Cobb County banner to decide what actions you will do during this crisis. I personally think that in the end, nothing will be done. The powers that control the decision making will try to patch and plug the leaks that are destroying this department. They will do this until they can flood the system with laterals and expedited recruitment that will allow some that should not be afforded the honor of wearing a Cobb Police Badge. The days of being a chosen quality candidate are over. They will never be here again. It seems that the consensus that I am getting from these posts are everyone is focused on a take-home car policy and then all is well. I say not! I for one prefer a pay benefits package to include bringing back the rule of 80. That will attract the best of the best candidate that will be trusted by my side and will not have me sitting in the RB Russell building. The commissioners are going to concede to the take-home car deal. It is going to sound like they have bent over backwards to save the police department only to put so many limitations on the policy that will not allow most officers to participate. Rules like, you MUST live in Cobb County and you must purchase X amount of fuel... It will not be the same rules now in use by those who have take-home cars! Those seen driving to Canton, Cartersville, Dallas… Again, the list will be near endless to the point where the bulk of officers will not be able to actually participate. Wait, watch and see! Officers, do what you can live with as you struggle through the demise of this department. Do not attempt to force your decision upon another and do not criticize the decision another has made as each officer is living this event daily. In the end, we all want the best for the department and the community we represent. I want to give thumbs up to some leadership being displayed by a certain Precinct Commander during these times. It seems Capt Hawk Hagebak is leading from the front and out humping a beat with his officers. Wish my high-speed,(HE THINKS), Commander would follow that example. In closing I will say, Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I do not believe we have seen worst yet.
I agree. That is why I dont believe in beating up the people who want to line their pockets during the crisis. I think the commissionors will do as little as possible and give slight improvements to hold us over until they can jam half trained recruits down our throats. And if people agree with me that busts the theory of "let it hurt" because they have no plan to ever improve our benefits anyways.
Commissioner Birrell came by one of the squad meetings . She brought us cookies and donuts and told us that she was the public safety liaison for the BOC. She said they appreciate us putting our lives on the line every day for their safety. After her speech she was asked about her and Goreham's newspaper comments stating that they had a take home car plan they were working on, but not all officers would get a take home car. She said the plan that they have seen is from Chief Howser and Director Heaton. That plan is based on seniority and if they live in the county. She alluded that only officers who live in the county would get cars, and then it would be instituted by seniority. If this is the case, then Officers who have less than 5 years (not rule of 80) who don't live in the county and forget getting a car. That means the hemorrhaging will turn into a great Exodus.
I'm not surprised Cobb County would have a limited take-home car program (i.e. If you only live in Cobb). The Cobb County Board of Commissioners are only going to do just enough to say they're doing something. It's the "Cobb Way " of doing things.
Those that would refer a friend or family member to the Cobb County Police Department are delusional. If it hasn't, eventually the quality of applicants are going to get worse. Even a person starting at QT as an assistant manager makes more than a new guy here.
I encourage those of you in the 401 "Retirement" program to truly look at how much Cobb County will have contributed to your 30 years of sacrifice and then ask yourself does the risk equal the reward?
I'm encouraged that K.S.U. P.D. will be adding more officers and the Tucker area will continue on becoming a city.
Only difference is they have a UNION. It will not work here. FIrst, no officer will try the "sick" call. Second, there are plenty of sheep applying for the "Cobb Way".
A take home vehicle program has to start somewhere and the proposal by Chief Houser is a good starting point. This will take several years to happen. It will not happen overnight. I personally do not have a problem with only assigning take home cars to those who live in the county. Even if you allow those outside the county to have a car there would still need to be parameters set. I have read where some jurisdictions charge a usage fee based on how far outside the county or city the officer lives. It is free to those living in the county or city in which they work. At least the take home program in on the radar.
Again, take-homes will takes years. What will the commissioners do in the mean time? Shift differential pay, education incentive, SIGNIFICANT pay raise for public safety. Something has to happen NOW. What if the SPLOST doesn't pass. Then what?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I for one would not accept a take home car policy that is anything less than the one offered to the existing take home policy, unless it affects EVERYONE! To include the ones who take their cars home NOW. We are not looking for a start; we are looking at having them concede that we need a bold step to turn this department around. A partial take home policy is not the answer that we need. WE NEED PAY and BENFITS (RULE OF 80) ahead of a take home policy. Having a few, and I mean a very few, more officers added to the take home fleet is a ridiculous sell out. If we are saying to the BOC and the Leaders of this department that I will go quietly and not ruffle feathers for minute concessions, I think NOT! I hope not! We need to be in this until we see a favorable decision for the ENTIRE department. I hope we are willing to carry the fight for the betterment of ALL. I mean ALL who are here now and all who we try to recruit. Please tell me this was not all for a take home policy that does not affect each and every officer here. My only concession would to be a seniority based system that will allow a new officer to get some time under his belt and mature as a police officer and understand the responsibility of driving a patrol vehicle to and from home. How about making eligibility for the take home policy the same as eligibility to become a FTO. That says you have matured in this profession. I don’t have all the answers, but I REFUSE to sell out for minute concessions, DO YOU?
Several citizens in Cobb made it apparent tonight the SPLOST will not pass. So..................what's next? Tim Lee said that things are not as apparent as it seems after Lance had left tonight. What is apparent is that his information he is getting from Sam Heaton is not helping us a bit makes you wonder what information that is since Commissioner Birrell seems to think there are only 13 openings in the department and she is the public safety liason. The Board is not doing anything to stop the flow of officer's out the door he spoke about 10 hour shifts and aggressive recruiting.....okay recruit the hell out of em'!!!!! It's not keeping anyone here. 10 hours shifts....one out of five precincts is struggling to keep that going. A sixth precinct possibly in the works? Where are those bodies coming from?
I put on my blue Ducimus T-shirt and I sat with 20 other Cobb County Officers at the BOC meeting tonight. Lance LaRusso did a GREAT job and KNOW this brothers and sisters... we are getting under their skin. We might not have won.. "YET" but we are taken'em into the late rounds !!! Kudos to the guys in STEP that have been leading the way. Because they refused to give up, Its looking like they're turning the tide. Dust off your Ducimus t-shirts and plan to make the next BOC meeting on Aug 12. Stand up with your brothers and sisters, you'll sleep better at night.
I just sat and listened to Lance speak at the BOC meeting. He absolutely did a good job and hit some important points. As soon as he finished the old A-bag Lee showed how he got his feathers ruffled. Every time someone tells the truth about Lee and his puppet Ole’ Sammy Boy sandbagging to fix the PD problem; IT IS A PD PROBLEM AND NOT A PROBLEM WITHIN THE ENTIRE PUBLIC SAFETY!!!!!!! Lee gets offended becomes disrespectful to them and disgraces the Cobb citizens by his demeanor and actions to rebut. Tim Lee, Sam Heaton and David Hankerson are not to be trusted. That is the only thing those Tres Amigos’ have ever earned in their life time. Maybe the three of them should try to speak with actions. If it was for a 70+ thousand dollar jackass or something to do with the Braves it would be “Signed Sealed & Delivered” immediately. We are in crisis TODAY. Our crisis is real. Our crisis affects me personally and it affects my family. I am talking about the family I live with and not my work family. We are being placed into unnecessary unsafe environments. The truth is this. Z3 officers handle violence on a regular basis and it affects each shift equally. Z2 officers do the same and the Z1 guys are getting some taste of the violence that is beginning to flow out that way. We cannot continue day to day requirements with the manpower issues we are facing. That CRAP, BS, just plainly “The DAMN Lie” Tim Lee spoke out of his mouth about the 10 hour shifts. We will never maintain the numbers in man power to effectively implement 10 hour shifts throughout all precincts. It is time to abort that plan at Z2 until ALL BEAT OFFICERS are treated fairly and provided the same opportunity for R&R and time off. They are in NO WAY doing anything to ENHANCE recruiting for OUR PD. They are talking about destroying the integrity of our PD by not only reducing the standards and requirements, but they are SHREDDING them. Two speakers that spoke on the PD issue completely broke Tim Lee and he took it as a personal insult. Tim Lee, if you keep dealing in shady work, you will achieve shady results. Become transparent and not Obama’s version of transparency. The plan being proposed of the partial take home vehicle plan is NOT enough. Salary & Benefits for PD that will break parity with others inside the employees of Cobb County and return the 80 Rule for retirement is essential to defeat this crisis.
I actually stood up with my brothers and sisters and worked to cover one of the beats that we do not have man power for. In addition to working my normal shift without a beat partner.
I've read through all the stuff the Director sent out. Unless I'm just missing it I don't see any specific Braves junk in there. Yes, a lot of stuff for traffic improvements, but that's mostly needed and is all over the county anyway, not just in Z3 near the new stadium. And if you're familiar with that area it needs some traffic improvements anyway. So I'm wondering how people are feeling now about the SPLOST vote. I intend to vote yes on it now.
I say thank you to those that have made and continue to make time to appear at the BOC meetings. The commissioner's DO need to see our faces at every opportunity. I question as to why, if we are not speaking and are only there to let them know we are here, we have a crisis, we want change, and we and the crisis will not go away without IMMEDIATE action. Why not show up in our uniform? Are Officer's forbidden by policy from showing up and viewing a BOC meeting in uniform? To listen, observe and understand the direction of the county’s future. I think not! Let me know if I am wrong.
To all who shall truly read this blog! WAKE UP! Understand that the SPLOST is the bait. The politicians are placing the infusion of funds on the backs of a doomed SPLOST initiative. I SAY THIS AGAIN. The SPLOST is already a NO vote. Have any of you been talking to people within the county. I have! We have sat in each other’s homes and expressed our disgust with the upcoming SPLOST plan. It will not pass. I CANNOT see anything good for the residents of this county listed in this SPLOST. Instead of Mr. Heaton sending out BS updates in a county email of how great it, the SPLOST, is; maybe he could focus on our problem at the police department. Mr. Heaton, We the Officers of the Cobb County Police Department are in a crisis at this very minute and every minute of every day. This is a police department problem! We need something done immediately! We CANNOT wait until a vote in November. The men and women who wear the Police uniform have been carrying this burden too long. I would like to have a beat partner during my entire shift and not one that is there until 4AM and then go home. I take what I can get today, but it is not enough. We CANNOT sustain this type of everyday shift manning. This is something that needs to be fixed and CANNOT wait on a SPLOST vote! I still have read nothing that will get me to vote yes on the SPLOST. My friends, neighbors, and I will vote NO on SPLOST.
I was asked by a neighbor and friend a question about his 17 year old having to sit on the side of the road for an hour and a half after being involved in a traffic accident in Cobb County. He stated the other driver, an older male, was yelling and cussing at her. His daughter was in fear and was told by a 911 operator to sit in her car and lock the door that it would be an extended ETA. His daughter sat and waited and was subjected to possible harm and definite harassment for an hour and a half because our manpower could not provide safety and security for her. He was pissed and wanted answers from me. I informed him of our crisis. He was in shock and stated that there is NO WAY this could be taking place in Cobb County. This incident has enlightened me and shows me that our story IS NOT making it to the people that pay taxes here. The people that David Hankerson, Tim Lee and the Board of Commissioners are required to represent and answer to. We decided to get a few neighbors together in my home to discuss the BOC meeting and it became aware NO ONE knows what we are living day to day and how they are also affected. When I spoke of the crisis within the Cobb County Police Department; most stated, "What Crisis, did another officer get hurt"? My neighbors, our neighbors, are unaware of what is happening and the WWW.DUCIMUS.INFO is not getting our issues out to the public. I believe that the viewers WWW.DUCIMUS.INFO are just us, police officers, for the most part. In an attempt to change that for my neighborhood, I am going to host a neighborhood BBQ at my home. I am in the process of preparing a Power Point presentation to inform the taxpayers that I can get to attend of the crisis that affect Cobb Police Officer’s today and what it means to the safety of their person’s and property. I am going to focus my attention and take the word to the individual taxpayers within Cobb County. We have witnessed on several occasions that the BOC meeting is not the only forum we need to use to get our voice taken to the public. Tim Lee spoke his true feeling when he disrespected Lisa Cupid, during the meeting, and said, "This is my Meeting". He thinks he is some sort of Emperor. Tim Lee will continue to spin and make light of our problem. He will not allow the truth to truly get out. We need to speak with the Cobb voters and provide them with the information that has created the crisis within the Cobb Police Department. We need to provide them with the names of those who refuse to take immediate action to put our department on the track of success. The feedback I have received from one night in my home show that the people do care about what’s happening with Cobb Police and the that the crisis they are facing has an impact on them as well.
After attending the meeting with 19 fellow officers. My house is voting NO for the SPLOST just as 80% of the people that spoke that night. The Commissioners need to prioritize their spending just like we do and work with what they have.
After the SPLOST fails to pass the Cobb County Board of Commissioners are going to have to make a real decision and do what's right for Cobb's public safety or watch more officers leave.
Then the Board of Commissioners will see what a Cobb County Police Department short on officers can't do when the Braves stadium opens and the G.S.P. Troopers are pulled out of Cobb County.
Until then I will take every opportunity to explain to the citizens of Cobb County why the SPLOST is unnecessary for public safety and how Cobb County has the money to do it.
Let's see...an 8 hour shift, educating 1 citizen an hour, 5 days a week. That's conservatively 40 voters a week until November. And multiple 40 voters a week by 20 officers and that's 800 voters a week until November.
We need to think outside the box, take advantage of the contacts we make and have an HONEST conversation with those that put their trust in us.
In some ways we're our own worst enemies. Some of us need to sit down and get our priorities straight. I've heard people complaining there's too much in SPLOST for Fire so they're voting no. I could not care less what Fire gets. I don't care if they give every hose dragger a take home red F-250. As long as I benefit too. It's not a contest. You guys need to realize if this SPLOST doesn't pass WE ARE SCREWED. Especially those of us far enough into Rule of 80 that we're stuck. It would take at least another year for them to get around to coming up with a plan B. Never mind implementing it. Look how long it has taken them to get the ball rolling just on this. How many bodies would we lose in that time? We're already overworked and drowning. It's already dangerous coming to work here without enough people on the street. Do you want it to get worse?
Most who are saying no, have their priorities in perfect order! We are saying that the fix needs to be done outside of the SPLOST. The SPLOST being sold to the taxpaying community is a heavy burden on the people for a bunch of trash hidden in the packet by the Likes of Tim Lee. I, a county taxpayer, will not wear the burden as a taxpayer and an employee just so a couple more police officers can get a take home car. I, a police officer for Cobb, and that same taxpayer, will tell you that the fix can and should be done way before November. I am with others on here that do not believe the take home deal is the most important thing we should be talking about. It would be awesome to have a take home car, but a bunch of us prefer the pay and benefits packet being the priority. I have heard some say on here that they have gone and spoken to the Chief. How about the Chief coming out and talking to the officers. Is it he is so busy that he can only speak with his officers during their annual training? This is our department and the fixes being discussed should be transparent to all of the officers. Not just a select few. If you are putting all of you hope on the SPLOST, then yes; WE ARE SCREWED! The SPLOST is NO GOOD for everyone, yes even you!
I started with a new department recently. I had concerns that the new department would not be as good as I thought or would have hoped. During my last few weeks at Cobb, several people told me that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I had thoughts that another department could not possibly be in worse shape than Cobb. After only one day outside of Cobb county, the only regret I have is that I did not leave sooner. For those of you that are able to leave (those who are not vested), do not believe what some say. Life is DUCIMUS on the other side. I enjoyed my time working with the great officers that Cobb county has, but that was the only positive aspect of the department.
I don't want it to get worse and neither does any other Cobb officer. But that's not up to us. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners will decide if they want things to get worse.
The SPLOST would be the same as using a bandaid on a body that's profusely bleeding.
The right way to handle this is by doing what the officer above is doing by talking to his neighbor's or the other officer who's going to speak to one citizen an hour during his 40 hour work week.
Neither of those ideas are hard to do...it just takes a little effort and thinking outside the box.
I agree the average neighbor in my neighborhood or most of the members at my church or Sunday school class has no idea the crisis the Cobb Police Department is in.
But they can know how bad it is. When I show up on a call that's been holding for a long time, I explain why it took so long for a resident of Cobb County, a voter of Cobb County, to get an officer.
I've even made copies of Director Forsyth's 4 page resignation letter and gave them out to people in my church and neighborhood.
Maybe re posting Forsyth's resignation letter on your FB page with a brief opening to it might be a way to get the word out. And let's not forget school is starting back very soon or your kid's sports. Another place to speak with people you already know.
It's Police 101. We just need to continue the partnership with the citizens of Cobb County and keep them in formed on how bad things really are and how unsafe it's getting for them and us.
Congratulations on making it out! Some of us who have been around too long still hope and pray that miracles are real and things will get better--or another city materialized and we can lateral in.
I had the opportunity today to view the CCPD manpower/seniority list. .After reading over the list of names I was immediately able to subtract 50 names from the list. Retirees, reservists, secretaries, and recruits that will be hired in August do not count as manpower; thy count as vacancies. Management can play games with numbers and make the public think we have 13 vacancies, but actual boots on the street, we are at least 110 pair short. Stop playing games with the numbers Chief and Director, step up and tell the truth or step down so some one else can.
The Chief never claimed there were only 13 vacancies. The director on the other hand did try to fling that crap on the wall hoping it would stick. Fortunately everyone saw the puppet hand sticking out of his back and called BS. Heaton is doing exactly what a yes man does. As far as I am concerned he told a bold face lie at the FOP meeting when he took the director job and said he would fight for the police department.
I too have seen the Manpower/seniority list..albeit several weeks ago. What I did see was that there are 30 officers that reach their rule of 80 by the end of 2014. While looking at the names MOST have stated they plan on leaving, IN FACT the only ones not leaving are command staff. Looks like Cobb County Police again will lose more officers than it hires in 2014. But it's OK, Tim Lee is at the helm... of a sinking ship !!! of his doing !!
Maybe someone should make this list public so that the people of Cobb County can see the truth. Why let those lying do-nothings control the propaganda when the truth is in black and white on department letterhead?
I hate to break it to you, but the average citizen in Cobb couldn't care less about us. As long as someone shows up at their door when they call they don't care. They might care for a few minutes while they're reading about it, they might shake their heads and say "somebody should do something". But that's about it. As to where the money comes from for take home cars or whatever else the PD needs it doesn't matter in the least where that money comes from. Whether it's from a SPLOST or from the general fund is 100% irrelevant as far as WE are concerned. You're right though. It's up to the commissioners. But they have proven they do not care about us. If they do anything it will be because they are forced to. I don't care if they're forced to or want to and where they get the money to do it. As long as it gets done.
I have actually heard different from those that I speak with. It is the delivery that gets them interested. You have to be articulate and let them know how the demise of the department is negatively affecting their lives. I have heard a lot of support for take home cars, and about giving a decent wage so that these officers will not have to continue to work part times just to make ends meet. They say that SHALL not be the Cobb Way. They would like to see an officer arrive for duty fresh and ready to respectfully serve the public. Not tired angry and demoralized officers that are possibly receiving poor results operating at that level. Most citizens want the quality Cobb Officer staying here and working WITH them instead of going and providing a great service to their neighbor. Just give things a bit of thought when you are explaining the crisis we are facing today.
I must admit the CCPD Improvement Plan is a significant step up for this department.The shift differential pay is definitely a game changer. Can someone explain why the vehicle assignment program begins in March 2015?
(kool-aid sip) Because the fleet is so depleted its going to take to the end of the year for the cars to come in and for the few installers to get them ready and out on the road just to get back to where we should have been. (kool-aid sip) Then the Take home car program can start working on getting those cars ready. I think the "March" start date is just give them some room for unforeseen delays without pissing everyone off. AND you got it (kool-aid sip)
I attended the FOP meeting tonight and listened to Director Heaton field questions from several Cobb officers. One really good question asked Heaton about the tattoo policy. The answer Heaton replied with made a lot of sense. He basically said that its a new era with younger generation that looks at the tattoos as "art" well duh!! The hard fact is that we are unable to hire some AWESOME young men and women that have served honorably in the Armed Forces, that have real world experience and proven leadership. The tattoo policy should be tweaked or make a military exception. The Chief said he would re-consider the policy. I hope he does SOON !! Heaton thinks he should.
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Take a look at the SPLOST list for Public Safety.
http://www.cobbcounty.org/images/documents/SPLOST2016/DPS/SPLOST_2016_DPS_Final_SPLOST_to_Chairman_070214.pdf
I think it's pretty funny that 21 of the 39 line items in the priority list are for the Fire Dept which has it's own county fire tax. All of the remaining 17 items are Animal Control, 911 / Radios and Police.
911 gets revenue from the 911 tax we pay on every cellphone in the county.
Animal Control fails under the Police Dept. We are a non-revenue generating entity in the county.
.....so you can all imagine how this is going to pan out.
The part that really boggles my mind is that none of this is really all that hard to figure out. The citizens can see it, why can't the commissioners. Another issue is all that commissioners agree that Public Safety is a priority yet nobody wants to dig into any of their reserves to pay for needed improvements. Fixing the issues in the Police Dept is exactly what we have reserve funds for. As a result, I can't help but think that is nothing more than kicking the can down the road while the commissioners posture politically.
Brothers and Sisters. I encourage you to become as involved as you can. If you are an FOP member, you should attend the meetings. Even if you feel that "they" are not doing anything to help, taking the time for "you" to learn the processes and the players can be of benefit. The Commissioners are holding SPLOST Town Hall Meetings all around the county. You should go and learn more about the SPLOST. The citizens will ask you questions while you are there. Give them an honest and professional answer.
While at one such Town Hall, a citizen came to talk to me about speeding on her road. I explained that there are only typically 8 officers watching the entire precinct area, and that was on a good day. I also told her that retention issues have left us with very few officers who are certified to operate speed detection devices. Her answer was, "You need more police officers".
Educate yourself by becoming involved. For example, I learned that the radios that are being replaced are a DPS thing, not a 911 thing. The 911 tax covers salaries and equipment within 911. It does not cover repeater towers and portable/vehicle equipment. Motorola no longer makes the radios we carry, so the ability to service them is about to expire. I also learned that the police have not recieved anything in the last couple of SPLOST allocations.
Several items, such as the MARTA Connection were moved from Tier I to Tier II. That may help us. If the SPLOST were to pass, everything on Tier I would get handled before they begin looking at Tier II projects. Take home cars and fenced in secure police parking lots are on the Tier I list.
But despite all of that stuff, the most important thing is our fellow officers...our beat partners. This blog should be used for discussing solutions to problems and helping each other come up with better ideas that we can present to whomever we need to present them. The "Ducimus Speaker" and the FOP are the avenues for getting those ideas before the decision makers.
Please do not allow stress and low morale to cause us to turn on each other, for then we will have nothing left...no hope for anything. The community does not know how bad things are because Cobb Police Officers do what it takes to help each other and to get the job done. We strive to maintain professionalism and standards that are above other departments. The answer is not to lower our standards, to throw ineffective tantrums, or to stop providing the best protection we can to our citizens. If we do, then we may as well be the City of Atlanta or DeKalb, or any other department we hold ourselves above. We must educate ourselves, and educate our citizens. But most importantly, we must take care of each other.
Leave if you must. Seek the opportunities that are the best for you and your family. I am going to stay here and work to make this department better. If not for me, then for the officers I will turn it over to when I am done.
I am very proud of the men and women I work with at precinct 3......tonight they are running with 5 cars...for the decision makers at 100 Cherokee Street that means they are operating with half the beats filled....To put it into perspective for you precinct 3 has ten beats or zones to cover on a given shift....This has not changed in almost 2 decades, but the population has probably increased well over 200,000 people in that time frame.
Mr. Ott your entire precinct with hundreds of thousands of residents is being served by 5 police officers tonight...and please don't call the precinct commander in the morning to complain, because he is out humping a beat right now with his troops, so I hope he will be sleeping...
You will never notice that there are so few officers out there, because of the incredible job these guys do day in and day out..
I don't have the ability to give you guys what you deserve, but for what its worth I am extremely proud and honored to serve with you everyday.....and we will handle the calls one at a time officer safety first.
Glad to see the supervisors stepping up. That's what this department needs more of. Good leadership does a lot for morale. I always respect a boss who doesn't forget what it's like to answer calls with the guys. Pct 3 seems to suffer from poor morale because of a few select supervisors. Maybe they can do a little self reflection and turn things around down there.
Who says the commissioners/Hankerson can't see it? The issue is that they DO NOT CARE. As long as Hankerson gets his fat bonus every year he could not care less how we suffer. And as long as the commissioners keep getting re-elected so they can push their own little agendas they do not care what happens to us or how the county as a whole suffers. It doesn't even enter into their train of thought. They've proven that by their actions.
I find it ironic that we have this book that is used as study material for sergeant/lieutenant testing, the "It's Your Ship" leadership book. Yet the vast majority of the leaders in this department, from sergeant all the way up, do not follow any of the basic leadership principles from this book or any other basic leadership class. One of the biggest examples of this I see is how shift sergeants and lieutenants act like their people are incompetent. If it looks like there even MIGHT be a fingerprint on a burglary it's Oh you guys better call a detective. There's just no way you could handle something as difficult as throwing a little fingerprint powder around. Or if somebody thinks their neighbor stole something Oh there's no way you guys can go talk to the suspect you'll "screw up" the case. Only detectives have the magical powers that allow them to go talk to people...... Those ties just make people confess. Part of any leader's job is to mentor those under them to advance in their careers. If these officers aren't being taught that it's part of THEIR JOB to complete a basic crime scene investigation how will they ever hope to become a detective? If they ever do become one they won't have a clue what to do. We treat our patrol officers in this department as if they are nothing more than gun toting secretaries. It's OK for them to write a report and lock up somebody with a suspended license. But if it's anything more complex than that they need to run and hide and turn it over to a detective. Really? And we wonder why they leave this place in droves. If you take away all the parts of this job that make it the least bit interesting and challenging and expect them to just write reports why would they stay? Nobody in history has ever had the desire to become a cop because they wanted to write a lot of meaningless reports. The sergeants, lieutenants, and captains who encourage this sort of behavior should know who they are. Wake up, it's time to change.
I am very concerned that Precinct 3 had to work with only half the beats filled, one of which was by a Precinct Commander. Special Operations units are having to divert from their normal duties to answer barking dog calls...that is not right. When they are done answering calls, their work load is still waiting on their desks.
If you are involved, if you are doing your part to inform, if you are out spreading the word, then you already know that the message is starting to be received. We now have 2 or 3 of the commissioners who are beginning to respond on our behalf. If you have spoken to the Chief directly, then you know he gets it too. Becareful about what the majority is saying until you know first hand.
Here is the reason for my post, so pay special attention...observe and judge for yourself what I am about to point out. We are tired....exhausted even. Short staffing is taking its toll. Officer injuries are occurring more frequently. So are bad decisions and officer safety in being effected or affected....or infected, whichever suits you the best.
If you feel refusing to work over to help your officers is the answer, I ask you to reconsider. I would rather be there to take care of you, my fellow officers, than to see one of you get hurt. Five officers fill ten beats and the calls get answered at half the price. You can pay 5 officers to work 10 beats? Seems like a deal. Perhaps they would notice 5 more officers making time and a half to support the other 5 scheduled officers. I'll collect the extra money if that's what it takes. I've been here for awhile, so that's like part time money for me...to keep you and the next officer safe. Yeah, I'll do that.
If I must, I will finish my shift at my precinct and then drive to Precinct 3 and hold down a beat. Wonder how that would sound? You mean to tell me that we have officers from other precincts working over in precincts to which they are not assigned? That's obsurd...someone should do something about that. I like that news story much better than, Cobb Officer Killed Because of Lack of Backup."
You guys and girls are my family. I know you by the sound of your voice on the radio. We discuss things going on in our personal lives with each other. We are friends on FaceBook. I do not want to stand by your grave, or put you through standing by mine. I'll take a bullet that was intended for you if I can in order to save your life. So yeah, I will take up the beat next to yours as well instead of going home if that's what it takes.
I heard tonight that a Cobb Officer was injured in a car crash...and I became scared. I started the process of notifications to people who were not working. I prepared to go to the hospital because one of my friends....a former shiftmate...was hurt in a car crash. I was relieved to find out the officer was okay and that the transport to the hospital was precautionary. I don't like that drill...I don't like that feeling. It sucks...it's terrifying. Like being called at 0213 hours and waking up to the notification that one of your friends was shot mulitple times. I've had that happen twice now...for some of the older guys, it has been far too many times.
Think what you like about this post. Express your thoughts and strike up a healthy debate if that furthers our cause. But please listen to this.....July has not been kind to the Cobb Police. Robbie Ingram, Steve Gilnder, Steve Reeves, Jorge Mestre, Danny Rogers....Pay extra close attention, watch out extra close for your beat partner, stick to your training.
Food for thought. In Case you have not realized. Cobb County Police as a whole does not think much of its agency. You see, detectives are no more than officers without the uniform. To become a detective here at cobb police, all you have to do is put in your letter and it is a lateral transfer. A detective has no more power than officers and in some cases has less knowledge of the situation. They DO NOT have the final say of how the case should be handled. That is up to the initial investigating officer. We only call them to inform them of the situation because supervisors or policy dictates. So, I say why waste the time and finish the investigation and close the case. Quit worrying about going back in service in such a rush supervision. Hammer up town for better pay and incentives so that enough officers are on duty for cases to be worked properly.
I personally am happy to see someone striking up healthy debate on this subject. It has bothered me since the beginning to see so many people support leaving beats open. I get it. Things suck. I agree. We want our voice to be heard, but it is not. The tipping point was the Sunday night when four officers showed up to work 10 beats in pct3. I commend the captain for humping a beat with his guys in their time of need. Supervisors should feel the pain that the patrol officers feel so they understand and I am glad to see he volunteered and got his hands dirty. I think this should become a standard. Like the above post said, how do you think the news article would look if it reported all shift commanders and pct commanders could not do their regular duties because they were working beats. Of for a resident to see a captain working a 41. They would say thats odd and probably ask them some questions. Great opportunity for the public to see the staffing issue first hand. Maybe the commissioner should be told the chief and headquarters staff couldn't make their meeting week after week because they were working a beat because we are so short. I'd like to see Tim Lee's reaction when he calls the chiefs phone and he has to wait hours for a call back because the chief is busy answering calls. I know it will never happen but it should.
My response to the above post is where is the changes you people promised? For months senior officers have been posting for us not to work open beats. To not work our off days. To not stay over. You said to let the beats stay open because people would see and things would change. Silence from the board and Hankerson. Your plan has not worked and there has been a drastic increase in injuries to junior officers in pct3. I think its time to rethink that opinion. No one is being forced to work overtime. Some people dont have wives or kids. Some people are hard up financially. If u dont want to work over then fine. Dont. But let these people make their own choices and pad their pockets with overtime dollars if they choose. They are providing for their families better, helping lighten the load on shifts that are short, its another set of eyes watching your back. I only see it as a good thing. I believe the whole "let them see how bad it is" argument is dead. That ship has sailed. 4 officers showed up to work 10 beats. No one cared. If I am wrong let me know but im tired of watching my brothers and sisters get hurt so you can make a point that no one is
getting.
Good point. When and officer does not come to work it does not mean that his or her job is not getting done. It means someone else has to do the work that would have been handled by the absent officer. This is why we are tired. Instead of spreading the reports out, just a few have to handle them all. I see officers at the precinct hours after their shift has ended still working on reports. Exhaustion in this profession is dangerous. You have to be aware, alert, and tactical. Cutting corners or diverting from training causes injury or death. If I do not do everything I am supposed to on a call for service, then someone else has to finish it in follow up or the next time that same call is dispatched. Like the detectives said in the prior posts, the only difference between a patrol officer and a detective is the type of clothes they wear and what it says at the top of the badge. We waste so much time not following through on investigations. What is it that the detective is supposed to do from his desk that you cannot do at the scene with fresh evidence?
But I understand. Open beats do not allow for mor thorough investigations. So therefore, we need to step up and help each other out. It sucks right now, but changes will have to happen...there is no choice. In the meantime, we cannot let our standards continue to decline. I can do it at my regular pay, or I can do it at overtime pay. That is a choice they will have to make.
Supervisors, do not be afraid to ask for help from other shifts...other units...other precincts even. Get your people the help they need. There is no precinct designation on my badge, my uniform, or my patch...I am Cobb County. I will go where I am needed.
It is nice to hear that officers want to be there for their brothers and sisters in blue. That is exactly what our decision makers are preying upon. They know that people who choose this line of work are loyal and usually people with integrity.
Over time this too can diminish and some start looking at their own personal gains and promotions. They lose their integrity and become self centered. Some have become JOB SCARED. Scared to speak the truth for fear of reprisal! Some hate hearing the truth and have the power of the pen to impede another’s progression if you speak up and tell them that they are wrong or their decision making is crap. We are a department that has several in power who fit that description to a tee. They know who they are and walk around as if they are untouchable and refuse to take care of those in the trenches. It is not all, but definitely enough to be noticed throughout the department.
It is up to each individual that wears the police uniform under the Cobb County banner to decide what actions you will do during this crisis. I personally think that in the end, nothing will be done. The powers that control the decision making will try to patch and plug the leaks that are destroying this department. They will do this until they can flood the system with laterals and expedited recruitment that will allow some that should not be afforded the honor of wearing a Cobb Police Badge. The days of being a chosen quality candidate are over. They will never be here again.
It seems that the consensus that I am getting from these posts are everyone is focused on a take-home car policy and then all is well. I say not!
I for one prefer a pay benefits package to include bringing back the rule of 80. That will attract the best of the best candidate that will be trusted by my side and will not have me sitting in the RB Russell building.
The commissioners are going to concede to the take-home car deal. It is going to sound like they have bent over backwards to save the police department only to put so many limitations on the policy that will not allow most officers to participate. Rules like, you MUST live in Cobb County and you must purchase X amount of fuel...
It will not be the same rules now in use by those who have take-home cars! Those seen driving to Canton, Cartersville, Dallas…
Again, the list will be near endless to the point where the bulk of officers will not be able to actually participate. Wait, watch and see!
Officers, do what you can live with as you struggle through the demise of this department. Do not attempt to force your decision upon another and do not criticize the decision another has made as each officer is living this event daily. In the end, we all want the best for the department and the community we represent.
I want to give thumbs up to some leadership being displayed by a certain Precinct Commander during these times. It seems Capt Hawk Hagebak is leading from the front and out humping a beat with his officers. Wish my high-speed,(HE THINKS), Commander would follow that example.
In closing I will say, Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I do not believe we have seen worst yet.
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I agree. That is why I dont believe in beating up the people who want to line their pockets during the crisis. I think the commissionors will do as little as possible and give slight improvements to hold us over until they can jam half trained recruits down our throats. And if people agree with me that busts the theory of "let it hurt" because they have no plan to ever improve our benefits anyways.
Commissioner Birrell came by one of the squad meetings . She brought us cookies and donuts and told us that she was the public safety liaison for the BOC. She said they appreciate us putting our lives on the line every day for their safety. After her speech she was asked about her and Goreham's newspaper comments stating that they had a take home car plan they were working on, but not all officers would get a take home car. She said the plan that they have seen is from Chief Howser and Director Heaton. That plan is based on seniority and if they live in the county. She alluded that only officers who live in the county would get cars, and then it would be instituted by seniority.
If this is the case, then Officers who have less than 5 years (not rule of 80) who don't live in the county and forget getting a car. That means the hemorrhaging will turn into a great Exodus.
I'm not surprised Cobb County would have a limited take-home car program (i.e. If you only live in Cobb). The Cobb County Board of Commissioners are only going to do just enough to say they're doing something. It's the "Cobb Way " of doing things.
Those that would refer a friend or family member to the Cobb County Police Department are delusional. If it hasn't, eventually the quality of applicants are going to get worse. Even a person starting at QT as an assistant manager makes more than a new guy here.
I encourage those of you in the 401 "Retirement" program to truly look at how much Cobb County will have contributed to your 30 years of sacrifice and then ask yourself does the risk equal the reward?
I'm encouraged that K.S.U. P.D. will be adding more officers and the Tucker area will continue on becoming a city.
Brookhaven and Sandy Springs are still options. Brookhaven chief stated he would welcome Cobb County WELL trained officers.
Only difference is they have a UNION. It will not work here. FIrst, no officer will try the "sick" call. Second, there are plenty of sheep applying for the "Cobb Way".
A take home vehicle program has to start somewhere and the proposal by Chief Houser is a good starting point. This will take several years to happen. It will not happen overnight. I personally do not have a problem with only assigning take home cars to those who live in the county. Even if you allow those outside the county to have a car there would still need to be parameters set. I have read where some jurisdictions charge a usage fee based on how far outside the county or city the officer lives. It is free to those living in the county or city in which they work. At least the take home program in on the radar.
Again, take-homes will takes years. What will the commissioners do in the mean time? Shift differential pay, education incentive, SIGNIFICANT pay raise for public safety. Something has to happen NOW. What if the SPLOST doesn't pass. Then what?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I for one would not accept a take home car policy that is anything less than the one offered to the existing take home policy, unless it affects EVERYONE!
To include the ones who take their cars home NOW.
We are not looking for a start; we are looking at having them concede that we need a bold step to turn this department around. A partial take home policy is not the answer that we need. WE NEED PAY and BENFITS (RULE OF 80) ahead of a take home policy.
Having a few, and I mean a very few, more officers added to the take home fleet is a ridiculous sell out. If we are saying to the BOC and the Leaders of this department that I will go quietly and not ruffle feathers for minute concessions, I think NOT! I hope not!
We need to be in this until we see a favorable decision for the ENTIRE department. I hope we are willing to carry the fight for the betterment of ALL. I mean ALL who are here now and all who we try to recruit.
Please tell me this was not all for a take home policy that does not affect each and every officer here. My only concession would to be a seniority based system that will allow a new officer to get some time under his belt and mature as a police officer and understand the responsibility of driving a patrol vehicle to and from home. How about making eligibility for the take home policy the same as eligibility to become a FTO. That says you have matured in this profession.
I don’t have all the answers, but I REFUSE to sell out for minute concessions, DO YOU?
Several citizens in Cobb made it apparent tonight the SPLOST will not pass. So..................what's next? Tim Lee said that things are not as apparent as it seems after Lance had left tonight. What is apparent is that his information he is getting from Sam Heaton is not helping us a bit makes you wonder what information that is since Commissioner Birrell seems to think there are only 13 openings in the department and she is the public safety liason. The Board is not doing anything to stop the flow of officer's out the door he spoke about 10 hour shifts and aggressive recruiting.....okay recruit the hell out of em'!!!!! It's not keeping anyone here. 10 hours shifts....one out of five precincts is struggling to keep that going. A sixth precinct possibly in the works? Where are those bodies coming from?
I put on my blue Ducimus T-shirt and I sat with 20 other Cobb County Officers at the BOC meeting tonight. Lance LaRusso did a GREAT job and KNOW this brothers and sisters... we are getting under their skin. We might not have won.. "YET" but we are taken'em into the late rounds !!! Kudos to the guys in STEP that have been leading the way. Because they refused to give up, Its looking like they're turning the tide. Dust off your Ducimus t-shirts and plan to make the next BOC meeting on Aug 12. Stand up with your brothers and sisters, you'll sleep better at night.
I just sat and listened to Lance speak at the BOC meeting. He absolutely did a good job and hit some important points. As soon as he finished the old A-bag Lee showed how he got his feathers ruffled.
Every time someone tells the truth about Lee and his puppet Ole’ Sammy Boy sandbagging to fix the PD problem; IT IS A PD PROBLEM AND NOT A PROBLEM WITHIN THE ENTIRE PUBLIC SAFETY!!!!!!! Lee gets offended becomes disrespectful to them and disgraces the Cobb citizens by his demeanor and actions to rebut.
Tim Lee, Sam Heaton and David Hankerson are not to be trusted. That is the only thing those Tres Amigos’ have ever earned in their life time. Maybe the three of them should try to speak with actions. If it was for a 70+ thousand dollar jackass or something to do with the Braves it would be “Signed Sealed & Delivered” immediately.
We are in crisis TODAY. Our crisis is real. Our crisis affects me personally and it affects my family. I am talking about the family I live with and not my work family. We are being placed into unnecessary unsafe environments.
The truth is this. Z3 officers handle violence on a regular basis and it affects each shift equally. Z2 officers do the same and the Z1 guys are getting some taste of the violence that is beginning to flow out that way. We cannot continue day to day requirements with the manpower issues we are facing.
That CRAP, BS, just plainly “The DAMN Lie” Tim Lee spoke out of his mouth about the 10 hour shifts. We will never maintain the numbers in man power to effectively implement 10 hour shifts throughout all precincts. It is time to abort that plan at Z2 until ALL BEAT OFFICERS are treated fairly and provided the same opportunity for R&R and time off. They are in NO WAY doing anything to ENHANCE recruiting for OUR PD. They are talking about destroying the integrity of our PD by not only reducing the standards and requirements, but they are SHREDDING them.
Two speakers that spoke on the PD issue completely broke Tim Lee and he took it as a personal insult. Tim Lee, if you keep dealing in shady work, you will achieve shady results. Become transparent and not Obama’s version of transparency.
The plan being proposed of the partial take home vehicle plan is NOT enough. Salary & Benefits for PD that will break parity with others inside the employees of Cobb County and return the 80 Rule for retirement is essential to defeat this crisis.
I actually stood up with my brothers and sisters and worked to cover one of the beats that we do not have man power for. In addition to working my normal shift without a beat partner.
Powder Springs is buying cars and giving raises...
http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/25484699/article-Powder-Springs-to-buy-police-cars--give-raises?instance=home_top_bullets
I've read through all the stuff the Director sent out. Unless I'm just missing it I don't see any specific Braves junk in there. Yes, a lot of stuff for traffic improvements, but that's mostly needed and is all over the county anyway, not just in Z3 near the new stadium. And if you're familiar with that area it needs some traffic improvements anyway. So I'm wondering how people are feeling now about the SPLOST vote. I intend to vote yes on it now.
I say thank you to those that have made and continue to make time to appear at the BOC meetings. The commissioner's DO need to see our faces at every opportunity.
I question as to why, if we are not speaking and are only there to let them know we are here, we have a crisis, we want change, and we and the crisis will not go away without IMMEDIATE action. Why not show up in our uniform?
Are Officer's forbidden by policy from showing up and viewing a BOC meeting in uniform? To listen, observe and understand the direction of the county’s future. I think not! Let me know if I am wrong.
To all who shall truly read this blog! WAKE UP! Understand that the SPLOST is the bait. The politicians are placing the infusion of funds on the backs of a doomed SPLOST initiative. I SAY THIS AGAIN. The SPLOST is already a NO vote. Have any of you been talking to people within the county. I have! We have sat in each other’s homes and expressed our disgust with the upcoming SPLOST plan. It will not pass. I CANNOT see anything good for the residents of this county listed in this SPLOST.
Instead of Mr. Heaton sending out BS updates in a county email of how great it, the SPLOST, is; maybe he could focus on our problem at the police department. Mr. Heaton, We the Officers of the Cobb County Police Department are in a crisis at this very minute and every minute of every day. This is a police department problem! We need something done immediately! We CANNOT wait until a vote in November. The men and women who wear the Police uniform have been carrying this burden too long. I would like to have a beat partner during my entire shift and not one that is there until 4AM and then go home. I take what I can get today, but it is not enough. We CANNOT sustain this type of everyday shift manning. This is something that needs to be fixed and CANNOT wait on a SPLOST vote!
I still have read nothing that will get me to vote yes on the SPLOST. My friends, neighbors, and I will vote NO on SPLOST.
I was asked by a neighbor and friend a question about his 17 year old having to sit on the side of the road for an hour and a half after being involved in a traffic accident in Cobb County. He stated the other driver, an older male, was yelling and cussing at her. His daughter was in fear and was told by a 911 operator to sit in her car and lock the door that it would be an extended ETA. His daughter sat and waited and was subjected to possible harm and definite harassment for an hour and a half because our manpower could not provide safety and security for her. He was pissed and wanted answers from me. I informed him of our crisis. He was in shock and stated that there is NO WAY this could be taking place in Cobb County. This incident has enlightened me and shows me that our story IS NOT making it to the people that pay taxes here. The people that David Hankerson, Tim Lee and the Board of Commissioners are required to represent and answer to.
We decided to get a few neighbors together in my home to discuss the BOC meeting and it became aware NO ONE knows what we are living day to day and how they are also affected.
When I spoke of the crisis within the Cobb County Police Department; most stated, "What Crisis, did another officer get hurt"? My neighbors, our neighbors, are unaware of what is happening and the WWW.DUCIMUS.INFO is not getting our issues out to the public.
I believe that the viewers WWW.DUCIMUS.INFO are just us, police officers, for the most part.
In an attempt to change that for my neighborhood, I am going to host a neighborhood BBQ at my home. I am in the process of preparing a Power Point presentation to inform the taxpayers that I can get to attend of the crisis that affect Cobb Police Officer’s today and what it means to the safety of their person’s and property.
I am going to focus my attention and take the word to the individual taxpayers within Cobb County.
We have witnessed on several occasions that the BOC meeting is not the only forum we need to use to get our voice taken to the public.
Tim Lee spoke his true feeling when he disrespected Lisa Cupid, during the meeting, and said, "This is my Meeting". He thinks he is some sort of Emperor.
Tim Lee will continue to spin and make light of our problem. He will not allow the truth to truly get out. We need to speak with the Cobb voters and provide them with the information that has created the crisis within the Cobb Police Department. We need to provide them with the names of those who refuse to take immediate action to put our department on the track of success.
The feedback I have received from one night in my home show that the people do care about what’s happening with Cobb Police and the that the crisis they are facing has an impact on them as well.
After attending the meeting with 19 fellow officers. My house is voting NO for the SPLOST just as 80% of the people that spoke that night. The Commissioners need to prioritize their spending just like we do and work with what they have.
After the SPLOST fails to pass the Cobb County Board of Commissioners are going to have to make a real decision and do what's right for Cobb's public safety or watch more officers leave.
Then the Board of Commissioners will see what a Cobb County Police Department short on officers can't do when the Braves stadium opens and the G.S.P. Troopers are pulled out of Cobb County.
Until then I will take every opportunity to explain to the citizens of Cobb County why the SPLOST is unnecessary for public safety and how Cobb County has the money to do it.
Let's see...an 8 hour shift, educating 1 citizen an hour, 5 days a week. That's conservatively 40 voters a week until November. And multiple 40 voters a week by 20 officers and that's 800 voters a week until November.
We need to think outside the box, take advantage of the contacts we make and have an HONEST conversation with those that put their trust in us.
In some ways we're our own worst enemies. Some of us need to sit down and get our priorities straight. I've heard people complaining there's too much in SPLOST for Fire so they're voting no. I could not care less what Fire gets. I don't care if they give every hose dragger a take home red F-250. As long as I benefit too. It's not a contest. You guys need to realize if this SPLOST doesn't pass WE ARE SCREWED. Especially those of us far enough into Rule of 80 that we're stuck. It would take at least another year for them to get around to coming up with a plan B. Never mind implementing it. Look how long it has taken them to get the ball rolling just on this. How many bodies would we lose in that time? We're already overworked and drowning. It's already dangerous coming to work here without enough people on the street. Do you want it to get worse?
Most who are saying no, have their priorities in perfect order! We are saying that the fix needs to be done outside of the SPLOST. The SPLOST being sold to the taxpaying community is a heavy burden on the people for a bunch of trash hidden in the packet by the Likes of Tim Lee. I, a county taxpayer, will not wear the burden as a taxpayer and an employee just so a couple more police officers can get a take home car. I, a police officer for Cobb, and that same taxpayer, will tell you that the fix can and should be done way before November. I am with others on here that do not believe the take home deal is the most important thing we should be talking about. It would be awesome to have a take home car, but a bunch of us prefer the pay and benefits packet being the priority. I have heard some say on here that they have gone and spoken to the Chief. How about the Chief coming out and talking to the officers. Is it he is so busy that he can only speak with his officers during their annual training? This is our department and the fixes being discussed should be transparent to all of the officers. Not just a select few. If you are putting all of you hope on the SPLOST, then yes; WE ARE SCREWED! The SPLOST is NO GOOD for everyone, yes even you!
I started with a new department recently. I had concerns that the new department would not be as good as I thought or would have hoped. During my last few weeks at Cobb, several people told me that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I had thoughts that another department could not possibly be in worse shape than Cobb. After only one day outside of Cobb county, the only regret I have is that I did not leave sooner. For those of you that are able to leave (those who are not vested), do not believe what some say. Life is DUCIMUS on the other side. I enjoyed my time working with the great officers that Cobb county has, but that was the only positive aspect of the department.
I don't want it to get worse and neither does any other Cobb officer. But that's not up to us. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners will decide if they want things to get worse.
The SPLOST would be the same as using a bandaid on a body that's profusely bleeding.
The right way to handle this is by doing what the officer above is doing by talking to his neighbor's or the other officer who's going to speak to one citizen an hour during his 40 hour work week.
Neither of those ideas are hard to do...it just takes a little effort and thinking outside the box.
I agree the average neighbor in my neighborhood or most of the members at my church or Sunday school class has no idea the crisis the Cobb Police Department is in.
But they can know how bad it is. When I show up on a call that's been holding for a long time, I explain why it took so long for a resident of Cobb County, a voter of Cobb County, to get an officer.
I've even made copies of Director Forsyth's 4 page resignation letter and gave them out to people in my church and neighborhood.
Maybe re posting Forsyth's resignation letter on your FB page with a brief opening to it might be a way to get the word out. And let's not forget school is starting back very soon or your kid's sports. Another place to speak with people you already know.
It's Police 101. We just need to continue the partnership with the citizens of Cobb County and keep them in formed on how bad things really are and how unsafe it's getting for them and us.
Congratulations on making it out! Some of us who have been around too long still hope and pray that miracles are real and things will get better--or another city materialized and we can lateral in.
I had the opportunity today to view the CCPD manpower/seniority list. .After reading over the list of names I was immediately able to subtract 50 names from the list. Retirees, reservists, secretaries, and recruits that will be hired in August do not count as manpower; thy count as vacancies. Management can play games with numbers and make the public think we have 13 vacancies, but actual boots on the street, we are at least 110 pair short. Stop playing games with the numbers Chief and Director, step up and tell the truth or step down so some one else can.
The Chief never claimed there were only 13 vacancies. The director on the other hand did try to fling that crap on the wall hoping it would stick. Fortunately everyone saw the puppet hand sticking out of his back and called BS. Heaton is doing exactly what a yes man does. As far as I am concerned he told a bold face lie at the FOP meeting when he took the director job and said he would fight for the police department.
I too have seen the Manpower/seniority list..albeit several weeks ago. What I did see was that there are 30 officers that reach their rule of 80 by the end of 2014. While looking at the names MOST have stated they plan on leaving, IN FACT the only ones not leaving are command staff. Looks like Cobb County Police again will lose more officers than it hires in 2014. But it's OK, Tim Lee is at the helm... of a sinking ship !!! of his doing !!
Maybe someone should make this list public so that the people of Cobb County can see the truth. Why let those lying do-nothings control the propaganda when the truth is in black and white on department letterhead?
Skip to 2:00 and listen to Tim Lee plan to reveal the retention problem solution.
http://ec4.cc/hd8bc45e4
"Good things are coming"
I hate to break it to you, but the average citizen in Cobb couldn't care less about us. As long as someone shows up at their door when they call they don't care. They might care for a few minutes while they're reading about it, they might shake their heads and say "somebody should do something". But that's about it. As to where the money comes from for take home cars or whatever else the PD needs it doesn't matter in the least where that money comes from. Whether it's from a SPLOST or from the general fund is 100% irrelevant as far as WE are concerned. You're right though. It's up to the commissioners. But they have proven they do not care about us. If they do anything it will be because they are forced to. I don't care if they're forced to or want to and where they get the money to do it. As long as it gets done.
I have actually heard different from those that I speak with. It is the delivery that gets them interested. You have to be articulate and let them know how the demise of the department is negatively affecting their lives. I have heard a lot of support for take home cars, and about giving a decent wage so that these officers will not have to continue to work part times just to make ends meet. They say that SHALL not be the Cobb Way. They would like to see an officer arrive for duty fresh and ready to respectfully serve the public. Not tired angry and demoralized officers that are possibly receiving poor results operating at that level. Most citizens want the quality Cobb Officer staying here and working WITH them instead of going and providing a great service to their neighbor.
Just give things a bit of thought when you are explaining the crisis we are facing today.
I must admit the CCPD Improvement Plan is a significant step up for this department.The shift differential pay is definitely a game changer. Can someone explain why the vehicle assignment program begins in March 2015?
(kool-aid sip) Because the fleet is so depleted its going to take to the end of the year for the cars to come in and for the few installers to get them ready and out on the road just to get back to where we should have been. (kool-aid sip) Then the Take home car program can start working on getting those cars ready. I think the "March" start date is just give them some room for unforeseen delays without pissing everyone off. AND you got it (kool-aid sip)
I attended the FOP meeting tonight and listened to Director Heaton field questions from several Cobb officers. One really good question asked Heaton about the tattoo policy. The answer Heaton replied with made a lot of sense. He basically said that its a new era with younger generation that looks at the tattoos as "art" well duh!! The hard fact is that we are unable to hire some AWESOME young men and women that have served honorably in the Armed Forces, that have real world experience and proven leadership. The tattoo policy should be tweaked or make a military exception. The Chief said he would re-consider the policy. I hope he does SOON !! Heaton thinks he should.
The atmosphere should change in the department come 2016 I guess.
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