Help us answer the call(s)....

I've mulled over the problems with our department over the past few months and what it really comes back to is a frustrating feeling of helplessness.

Each of us went into policing because we had a calling. No one unrealistically expected to become rich. We did expect to be treated fairly. We also expected to be able to have an impact in the community and to make a difference. That WAS and IS our calling.

We are disappointed to be in a position where we find ourselves reacting to what happens around us. I the "golden years" of DeKalb PD, we took the tiger by the tail and took the fight to the criminal element. We were in control of the streets.

Today, we find ourselves writing reports after the fact. Yesterday, we pro actively snuck into these questionable apartment complexes, motels, business districts, and neighborhoods in order to surprise the criminal element.

We went after crime before it became a problem for the general public. We were the Thin Blue Line!

Let us once again become that DISTINCT and DEFINITE BLUE LINE!

Today we do a report after the fact so the public can file an insurance claim.

What we really want is the ability, the leadership, and the resources we need to get back to proactive policing. We want to answer the call.

Let us answer the call. Let us do what we came to here to do. Let us help you, the general public.

Help us once again take charge of the streets of Dekalb. It belongs to you,and it is our job and calling to make sure it stays under your control.

You deserve better.

Notcar1

In 1868 our country set aside one day to “…cherish tenderly the memories of our heroic dead who made their breast a barricade between our country and its foes”.



At 3:00 PM today, please bow your head in prayer for those who gave all.

DeKalb County Iraq War Causalities:

Sgt. George R. Draughn Jr. KIA September 1, 2005
Decatur - US Army National Guard

Cpl. Victor M. Langarica KIA January 20, 2007
Decatur - US Army

Seaman Genesia M. Gresham KIA October 22, 2007
Lithonia - US Navy

May God bless them and their loved ones.

DeKalb Officers

Is This A Threat?

Chief Bolton has warned his Command Staff to use caution when attending and supporting people running for political office.

He told his Command Staff people have been killed supporting politicians.

Interesting, I wonder if he a register voter in DeKalb yet?

Looks like the Chief will know in July which direction to drive his RV's . I believe he will be returning out west.

Fly on the Wall

High gas prices forces other cops to make concessions, but not in DeKalb, we have a money faucet.

Bolton’s lack of leadership is on course with his proven ineptness for which the City of Dallas fired him. Violent crime during his tenure is at an all time high. Homicides are up over 50% and robberies are up 70% compared to 2007. He has had 517 days to reduce crime in DeKalb County, but yet it has only spiraled to being nearing out of control. It’s nearing where it will not be safe to walk the streets or park your car without fear of being shot, robbed or your car broken into, if not all the about at the same time.
For all purposes, The City of Dunwoody will be incorporated on July 15, 2008, meaning the loss of millions of dollars in tax revenue to the county. On a scale, you can somewhat compare the county finances to that of your household. During this time of soaring fuel and food prices, we all have and are having to make changes in our life style.
We combine trips, we park the vehicles that cost more to operate, we wait to some items go on sale before we buy, some things we simply can’t afford anymore and go without. The thermostat goes up, or the windows are opened.
The fuel cost as it relates to the police department, is massive. Gasoline is approaching $4.00 a gallon which it will probably surpass by summers end.
While Bolton sits idling, literally and figuratively, other police departments are making concessions. The number one concession is to park unnecessary take home cars.
We here at DekalbOfficers are asking for public support and pressure to insure Chief Terrell Bolton is forced to do all in his capacity to help the taxpayers save money during these economic times, not waste it.
• Park all ICP cars. These officers do not answer 911 calls from their house.
• Park all non essential administrative take home cars. Keisha Williams and Mekka Parrish, just to mention two, are not sworn police officers and do not answer 911 calls from their house.
• Park all administrative aides’ vehicles. These are non essential personnel.
• As it applies to take home cars, curb back the mileage allowed to live outside the county from 35 miles from the county line, to 35 miles from headquarters.
• Study the option of 2 officers per car, thus eliminating the need of 2 separate vehicles to answer the same call.
• Be required to publish the monthly operating cost of each Mobile Precinct Bus.
We are all in this together and if Bolton is not going to step up, then we as brothers in arms need to take some control and make sacrifices just as the taxpayers. As your comrades, we ask that you simply cut your police car off when handling a call or out eating (right, like you have the time for a sit down meal). Cut your car off when you run into the Quicktrip to grab a cup or use the facilities. At the beginning of the shift, check the tire pressure, this too will save on gas mileage. Don’t have an air gauge? Then send a request and the purpose, up the chain. If they deny it, then we will call them out.
During times like this, it takes a leader…..and Bolton is not that leader.

The Vision Continues

DeKalb Officers

County To Help Relocate Peach State Credit Union

CLICK HERE to read more.

Absentee Ballots are now available for July 15 City of Dunwoody Referendum

CLICK HERE to visit Dunwoody North Civic Association for instructions.

Call 911!

Will someone please call 911? Our police department is in serious trouble. I don't think the citizens of DeKalb County have any idea of what’s going on in their police department.

Here's a rundown of personnel changes since January 2007.

Asst Chief Pearson: Forced into retirement
Deputy Chief Miller: Forced into retirement
Deputy Chief Ector: Retired (we all know forced)
Deputy Chief Duncan: Forced into retirement
Deputy Chief Gainey: Retired (probably was going to be demoted, retired instead)
Deputy Chief Holmes: Demoted to Captain and has been transferred 3 times.
Major Gilstrap: Forced into retirement
Major Stathis: Demoted to Captain and transferred to radio???? Are you kidding me?
Major Kliesrath: Demoted to Captain
Major OBrian: transferred to ICP??? Former Chief of Staff and extensive experience in Internal Affairs
Major Gassner: transferred from South Precinct as commander, now ICP, she has extensive Uniform, CID, and former member of SWAT.
Captain Woodard: She made the mistake of being friends to Sheriff Brown (known for 20 years) former commander of Narcotics now stuck in radio?????
Sergeants transferred from specialized positions without cause but for somehow upsetting one of the "chosen" few.
Newly promoted sergeants that have somehow made the wrong person upset have been placed in the property room and code enforcement, meanwhile precincts are short supervisors.

These are just the few I can remember off the top of my head. I'm sure I left some people out or the stories haven't got out yet. I challenge anyone to name a person that replaced any of the people I listed with a more qualified person excluding Chief Rancifer. Chief Bolton systematically replaced every person in the command staff including each precinct commander. I'll give him credit because he learned something from the lawsuits he caused the Dallas PD and was a lot quieter about it this time. Again it isn't only about the money it's also about the lack of leadership this department has put up with since CEO Jones has taken control. Citizens need to put pressure on the candidates for CEO and find out what their plans are for the police department especially its chief. I don't think the department can handle another year of its current chief. Please help us.

dedicateddkpd

-BEST BUY DISCOUNT FOR PD-

Just FYI...the Best Buy store at Northlake is giving all emergency service employees a employee discount which equals to about 35-40% off on any item in the store on Sunday May 25th, between 7:30pm-9:30pm. The store is honoring all "heroes" and closing the store except to fire,pd, ems etc...so if you have been wanting that new plasma next Sunday is your chance.

WestPrecinctMan

What is the County doing to curb soaring fuel cost?

I have said previously that I believe that police officers should be paid enough to afford to live within, and be an integral part of, the communities they serve and protect. John's Creek offers housing stipends to it's officers who choose to live within the City and I believe it's step in the right direction in giving these officers a stake in the community as well making them available for emergency calls if the need arises.

Georgia Law prohibits public employees from being required to live within the boundaries of a municipality as a condition of employment. However, there are cities that have cleverly gone around such laws by requiring their employees to live not necessarily in the municipality, but within a certain distance of their work station.

If Dunwoody were to become a city, I'm not sure if the City Counsel would set such strict requirements on residency, but like John's Creek they may choose to offer reasonable housing benefits for those who do decide to live in the city limits.

What Dunwoody resident wouldn't want a Dunwoody Police car parked in the neighborhood from time to time and think of the huge gas savings on those take home cars.

Just an idea that was reinforced after seeing this news clip.


www.dunwoodynorth.org Monday, May 19, 2008

Few to Receive Step Increase In Pay

The Board of Commissioners has approved an additional step increase in pay. Officers who have topped out in their pay grade will see up to a 5% raise after their next yearly evaluation (after July 1, 2008). Please do not confuse this with a 5% across the board raise, it's not.
Only officers with the rank of Master Patrol Officer thru Captain will receive the step increase.
The Taser and in car camera issue has been postponed INDEFINITELY by the B.O.C. without resistance of Chief TeBo.

The Vision Continues

Spiritual Support

It seems Bolton’s preacher posse has started to move into their offices in all 5 of the precincts. According to the DeKalb County Police Newsletter dated April 1, 2008, participates attended a 40 hour block of instruction how to support and benefit officers.
Various religions are represented; Non Denominational, Baptist, Catholic and Muslim.
Hmmm….Jews need not apply?
Read More Here

Outrage! Did Incompetence Contribute to the Death of Officers Bryant and Barker?

Please read the AJC story HERE. It will make your stomach turn. If not for the failure of the probation officer to simply do their job, Officer Barker and Bryant might be alive today.

Cop killing William Woodard was arrested for a previous burglary. Why did all parties involved, including the arresting Atlanta Police Officer not appear for the probable cause hearing, causing Woodard to be released?

There should be an investigation into Magistrate Court to insure procedures were followed. If procedures were not followed, then someone needs to be held accountable.

We have two (2) officers dead and it appears it could have been avoided. Is anyone outraged or is this just a newspaper story to end up on the bottom of a birdcage?

Where is our Chief?

Good News For a Change!

Master Police Officers did receive a pay bonus! It appears they received an upfront bonus check and will receive a supplemental check for the next 17 months,
Good for them!

Whittington Is Favorite For C.E.O.

The poll has closed and Tom Whittington lead all votes with 71%!

In Door Firing Ranges? We Don't Need No Stinking In Door Firing Ranges, We Have RV's!

Over the past week, Gwinnett County Police Department was heavily advertising a job fair on various radio stations in the metro area. They were boasting of their state of the art police academy, a driving track and, not 1, but 3 in-door firing ranges. Oh, and they have take home cars……for everyone.

Well, they have nothing on DeKalb County Police. We have an academy that is a converted school built probably in the ‘60’s. We have an OUTDOOR firing range, but just one, who needs 3? Driving track? We have I-285. And where we really leave Gwinnett in the dust: We have 6 RV’s. They have none! Oh, and we don’t have take home cars (unless you are ICP)
We win!

Ceremony honors slain DeKalb police officers

There were no tears on the faces of eight children who led hundreds of people in reciting the pledge of allegiance on the Decatur Square Thursday.

The older children, with the necessary memorization skills, clearly spoke the words, hands over hearts. The youngest, in the arms of a police officer, put both hands on his chest.

All eight lost their fathers on Jan. 16, when DeKalb County Police Department officers Eric Barker, 33, and Ricky Bryant, 26, were shot to death in an apartment complex parking lot.

Their names became the 38th and 39th engraved on the granite marker which was the centerpiece of Thursday's annual ceremony honoring slain DeKalb officers,
The children spent most of the hour seated in the front row. The younger ones fidgeted at times, but the three eldest girls listened solemnly to the speeches.

Afterward, holding spent shells from a 21-gun salute that startled them, the three talked about their part in the ceremony.

"I felt happy, because we got to stand for all the officers," said Justice Bryant, 8.

"And honor our fathers," added Alexia Johnson, Barker's 11-year-old daughter.

Kashell Bryant, 10, said the pledge of allegiance was particularly appropriate to honor the children's fathers "because they stood for justice."

"For all," added Alexia, who had another reason to honor officers:
"I probably want to be one when I grow up."

By DAVID SIMPSON
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/08/08

A DeKalb County Resident Post:

As in any county or city government, the two largest departments are that of public safety, in particular police, and education. Both require the majority of the taxpayer’s money to finance them. With DeKalb County having two of the largest in the state, and for that matter in the south, you would think the most qualified persons would be at the head of each.
Well, from reading through your site, and researching this guy Vernon Jones hired for Chief of Police, it appears the department is in shambles, and his track record proves nothing put disaster ahead.
The head of the school system can be placed in the same column as the Chief of Police. Morale among the teachers is at an all time low and our students have an all time high failure rate, not to mention the massive waste of taxpayer money.
The citizens of DeKalb need to wake up if this county is to remain a safe place to live. Pressure needs to be applied to the commissioners during the upcoming elections and after Vernon is gone to replace Terrell Bolton with someone competent.
The citizens need to pressure the school board to replace Crawford Lewis and replace him with someone competent.
This is an election year. It is time for change in DeKalb County for the better, to bring us back to being a positive example of leadership instead of constant embarrassment with shady deals and scandals.
I found your website while searching the web. I think this page is on the right track to be an influence for a new start.

Gadget Responds To Inside Man and The City of Dunwoody

Please take the time to read this response under the "Recent Comments to your right. Very interesting and informative.

Prosecutors seek death for accused killer of DeKalb Officers Ricky Bryant Jr. and Eric Barker

William Woodward - Cop Killer


Click HERE for AJC story

Notcar1 Post:

I see they unveiled new animal control vans. Do you think the Animal Activists who complained on behalf of Dekalb's animal population might be interested in complaining about the declining safety of the Dekalb's human population?

I hear homicides are on a record breaking pace.

We could sure use help in getting a raise, take home cars and better benefits. Anything they could do to help Dekalb hold onto the veteran officers that are still 10-7 (on-scene) would surely be appreciated.

Click HERE for AJC story.

DeKalb Officer's Memorial

During the month of May, Law Enforcement agencies throughout the nation pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. Each year the DeKalb County Police Department acknowledges its fallen officers and their family members during the DeKalb's Fallen Officer Memorial Service.

All are invited to attend the Dekalb Officer's Memorial on Thursday, May 8 2008 at 11:00 am, at the Historical Courthouse, One West Court Square, Decatur, GA 30032.

Any questions or concerns please contact Officer Donna Smith (770)380-2544.

Fallen Heros Memorial Bike Ride

There will be a memorial bike ride honoring fallen Officers Eric Parker and Ricky Bryant Jr. Saturday May 10th, 2008 at South Dekalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road. Cost is $20.00/rider & 10/passenger (T-shirts included).

Please visit FrontRunnerz.com for more information.

DAY 500! And Bolton Has Yet to Finish Naming His Command Staff!

From the Desk of Dekalb Officers:

We feel that everyone has had time to become familiar with the workings of this blog page. It is time now to use the proper format. The reason, and we fill you all agree, is there is simply too many people posting as “anonymous”, and the topics are hard to keep up with.
With that in mind, here are the ever changing rules: If you want to make a comment on any post, then click on the "comments" directly underneath the post. You will be led to a section to leave your comment. You can choose to leave a screen name or remain anonymous, your call.
Your comment will be added to the posting. To read your comment and comments of others, you will again need to click on the "comments" section underneath the posting. This will lead you to all the comments related to that particular posting.
If you would like to start a new posting of your own, then email the webmaster at dekalbofficers@gmail.com. Again, you can do this anonymously or with a screen name. Simply title your posting and it will be but up as a new one.
You are still encouraged to sign up through Gmail, anonymously or not, so we may be able to communicate if necessary.

Welcome to the world of blogging!

The Vision Continues!

More News on Dunwoody P.D., Compliments of Inside Man

HERE IS THE LATEST FOR DUNWOODY PD...IF EVERYTHING GETS APPROVED HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL NUMBERS. THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE STAFFED BY 25 OFFICERS ON A 5/2 WORK SCHEDULE. 16 OF THE OFFICERS WILL BE PATROLMAN AND OUT OF THOSE THERE WILL BE 5 "SENIOR OFFICERS. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE 3 SGTS, 2 LTS, 1 DETECTIVE AND OF COURSE A CHIEF. ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE 1 YEAR LEO EXPERIENCE AND BE GA POST CERTIFIED.

PATROLMAN=$40,000
SENIOR PATROLMAN=$48,000
SGT=$56,000
LT=$64,000
CHIEF=$105,000

AND OF COURSE THE ANSWER TO EVERYONES QUESTION...THE BUDGET CALLS FOR TAKE HOME UNITS FOR ALL OFFICERS LETS HOPE THIS ALL GOES THROUGH SO FAR SO GOOD.

PS-WHITTINGTON FOR CEO 2008!!!!

Anonymous Responds to "Who is Whittington?"

Well if he did win, you can count on him knowing some of the best qualified police leaders to run the department. He could be the one to help put this department back on top. What a dream to come true.

206FanClub Responds to "Who is Whittington?"

Years ago he was injured in the line of duty and some citizens came to his rescue. He has seen all the good and the bad within the department. He is a native of DeKalb and a seasoned officer. I am so glad that attrition and disgust with the current situation has not hastened his retirement.

Poll: Dunwoody residents like cityhood, not its cost.

Click Here for AJC article

Anonymous response to Fly on the Wall is corrected:

My mistake, the Ellis & Boyer rebuff was not on the ajc, but WXIA.

http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=94

Anonymous responds to Fly on the Wall:

Fly, please do some research before you consider and promote Ellis as PD friendly.

If you Google, Ellis & Boyer you'll find and article in the AJC from 3/20/07...I believe they are both quoted as saying they need more information in order to fund the PD. That was more than a year ago. The same quote was made at the last BOC when funding the Tasers. As if the Grand Jury findings weren't enough. My point is, if you follow closely enough it is quite clear who supports the PD and who doesn't.

Anonymous ask: Who is Whittington?

Who is this Whittington...can't find any info. Also, he is not listed as a qualifier. Can anyone explain?

From The Desk of DeKalb Officers: Tom Whittington is a highly regarded 35 year veteran of the police department. He did not qualify to run for C.E.O., put you should consider writing him in.

Anonymous responds to Big Tuna and "Dekalb Lawmakers".

Response to Tuna:

Yes, please do refer back to Johns Creek, Sandy Springs et, al. The entire house supported those measures because they were supported first by their home delegations. Those delegations adhered to the home-rule, then the entire house voted, as they do on local bills. The problem arose when Rep. Millar side stepped the delegation who overwhelmingly opposed, and put the bill forth as state legislation.


Perhaps a city of Dunwoody would be greener pastures for some of you to work but for the citizens of unincorporated DeKalb it would be a costly measure, not only for our PD but for the tax digest.

City of Dunwoody

Well from my sources the Dunwoody Police Department will be staffed by 35-40 officers most of which will be recruited from within the DeKalb Police Department, salary you ask....so far according to my inside source patrolman will be started at $43,000 but get this...the city manager...how about $340,000!!! I will keep you all posted.

Inside Man

Fly on The Wall.......Ellis for C.E.O.?

Elections are coming soon and we must look to who will be the best to serve the county. I know we would like it to revolved around the police department but we need to look at what is best for the county.
I think Mr. Ellis will support us in the way that is best for the county to survive. We sure do not want to end up like Atlanta. He is supportive to the police , and he does not want anything in return for this support. We must look at what is being requested by our current Chief.
Bolton wants to increase the budget by 81 million dollars in five years for the police department. This will not happen unless a large tax increase is passed. If you lived in DeKalb would you want more tax increase? The commissioners want to give us a raise and they will because they know it is required to keep and recruit new officers.
The best thing will occur is Vernon will not control the police department.
Just think about it.

Notcar1 Responds to "Surfing the Blogosphere"

Jim,

Please give us hope. Tell us that Dallas hired some good people and is on its way back to being a good, well respected police department.

The city of Atlanta has the Phoenix as part of its logo. May the Dekalb County Police Department borrow from that legacy and also rise again from the ashes.

While surfing the Blogosphere, we ran across this on "undergroundcop.com"

Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 04:39:29 PM

When Terrell Bolton got forced out as Chief of Police in Dallas, there was a certain amount of heart-bleeding among persons who saw his fate as somehow tragic. Maybe he was elevated too rapidly, they said. You know, like maybe he didn’t have enough oxygen in his head. And so on.

I myself confess to having worried about whether or not he got a fair shake. Not worried a lot, but a little. So, every once in a while, just to reassure myself that we were damn lucky to have shaken that wingnut loose when we did, I go look at the blogs in Georgia, where he is now Police Commandant of DeKalb County or some such. Or I go look at the YouTube channel maintained by "dekalbofficers."

Man o’ live. Talk about destiny repeating itself. --Jim Schutze

Yet another anonymous person comments on "Whittington for C.E.O."

Heeeyyyyy Buddy..... He has my vote.

If not CEO, maybe an aid to the CEO to advise him or her on police matters.

He's been a long term resident that is familiar with the issues and the problems.

Anonymous Says......

WHITTINGTON FOR CEO??!!! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! WELL HES GOT MY VOTE!

The Big Tuna Responds to "Dekalb Law Makers"......

This is smoke and mirror stuff to cloud the issues. ALL of the other cities were incorporated this way and none had any DOJ problems. Click Here for the link to the Sandy Springs vote in the State House.

Just as in DeKalb, Atlanta Police Officers used as political football.

Clink HERE for AJC story.

Anonymous Says......

And now we know a little about Stan Watson.....

It would be interesting to know how he voted when Sandy Springs, Milton and John's Creek were up for consideration.

This should be easy for him/them to file a complaint. They should be able to change the city name from their previous DOJ complaint to Dunwoody and just file it.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

DeKalb lawmakers may fight creation of Dunwoody

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

State lawmakers in DeKalb County are dropping very large hints that they’ll file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice to stop the creation of the city of Dunwoody.

State Rep. Stan Watson, who is now running for DeKalb County CEO, said this to ,CrossRoads News a south DeKalb weekly:

“We have eight attorneys who are actually legislators in the House and they are working on it as we speak. We should have a statement that we can send to the press in the next five to 10 days.”

Dunwoody legislation passed the General Assembly this spring and was immediately signed into law by Gov. Sonny Perdue. But before a July 15 referendum can occur, the process must pass Justice Department scrutiny.

This sounds like the gist of the complaint:

Watson said that the vote on the bill should have been taken only by the 26-member DeKalb delegation — not all 236 members of the General Assembly. The bill passed the House 106 to 60.

“The legislators understand that home rule was violated,” Watson said. “They took a local piece of legislation and made it a general bill that allowed the people from all over the state of Georgia from Valdosta to Rome to Columbus to vote on DeKalb County, and they don’t pay property takes here.”

In other words, a General Assembly controlled by white Republicans thwarted the will of African-American legislators who dominate the DeKalb delegation.

AJC April 29, 2008

Anonymous Post: Early Favorite for CEO -

I don't think we know much about anyone yet.

I know Ellis is a member of the BOC that let Vernon run this department into the ground.

Granted the CEO is pretty much all powerful in Dekalb, but he could have used his position to help us and the people he represents.

The President of the U.S doesn't make law, but he uses the bully pulpit to create awareness and garner support.

Shame on Ellis.