Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Impossible Situation

We are not exactly sure why Frank Klisrath was demoted to Captain. Was it because crime is up? Morale low? Unable to motivate the troops? Said no when someone thought he should have said yes? We do know he could be a micro manager at times and has his quirks just like everyone else. But when it comes to knuckle busting time, you couldn't ask for a better backup. In the streets, he is a cop's cop. Let's not forget his heroic act trying to save the life of the mortally wounded Pine Lake officer.

Klisrath was faced with an impossible situation, Now Mike Yarbrough as Assistant Chief, Commander of the Uniform Division, is burdened with the same impossible situation. Yarbrough is taking the reins of a uniform division that is defeated.

He is tasked to motivate officers that are being furloughed, maybe even 17 days in 2011. Officers who have not had a cost of living raise in years, whose merit increases have been taken away, whose pension contributions are increasing while the county ends contribution. Overtime replaced with comp time. Officers who were forced to change health insurance plans for the second time in 2 years, whose health insurance premiums are increasing upwards of $1200 per year, and a non-supportive Public Safety Director who only pops out of his prairie dog hole when he sees the light of a camera.

How will Yarbrough handle this? What will be his motivational style? We do know he has nothing to offer the everyday officer to motivate them. Assistant Chief Yarbrough cannot change our pay or benefits. Is there an answer? Just as a commenter said, nothing will change until things change in Decatur.

But we know what will not work. Coming down on the uniform officers with a heavy hand. Forced productivity beyond that which is required by the employee manual. The typical "do it or else" attitude. That management style will surely fail.

We wish him all the luck in the world. He is going to need it.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yep, Decatur is our problem. How many of us would actually want the job of a chief in this environment? You don't get the proper support from our politicians and the citizens don't seem to care.

You stated there was nothing he could do to improve morale. This speaks volumes about our current situation.

In times like these it's good to remember to keep you chin up and butt down. Have pride in your work and don't overly stress about things you have no control over. I still get a good feeling of taking the bad guys to jail, we all should. I've seen some officers completely shut down and refuse to do their basic job. That is not the answer. If you only focus on the negative things around here you'll find at the end of your career a bitter, cynical, and depressed person. We've all seen those type of people, some still work here. Don't be that person! Try to stay positive and remember the real reason you became a police officer. While in the military I often heard, "don't sweat the small sh*t". Practicing that simple statement has served me well through life. If you attend church, temple, or synagogue I ask that you pray for our department while practicing your faith. We could certainly use the help.

Anonymous said...

I made a decision several years ago to leave PD and come to SO. It was a hard decision because I loved PD so much, and still do. I realize that it was the best decision I ever made. I will always have love for PD though, always. The things happening at PD make me realize I made the right move. Honestly though, the clincher was when Sheriff Brown fought the furloughs for us here. He has gotten big kudos for that and much respect. If that is not a good leadership trait, I dont know what is. Dont get me wrong, SO is not perfect, but it is more than just paying the bills; it is not a bad place to work. No regrets coming over.

I pray for all my brothers and sisters over there at PD. And finally, I can only hope and pray that the guys who were my road partners, eating partners, choir practice partners such as Bill Obrien, Higgy et al, do not forget where they came from. If and/or when they do, failure is imminent. Ponder that.

Anonymous said...

Hope BOC is watching election results tonight, coming for them soon.

Anonymous said...

He is not a bad guy, I think he loves the department and will survive whatever they put in front of him. We have hope with every new one appointed to make a change.

Anonymous said...

I say , I say listen here son...Don't sweat the small $hit you say....Kiss my A$$ if losing almost $2000.00 this past year in pay reduction/furlough is the small $hit...not to mention the fact there hasn't been any merit increases in almost 3yrs. Plus the fact we lost the sick checks which came just in time to help your family during the holiday season...and the fact we're facing a lose of more income next year...what kinda of crap u been smoking Anon 3:41. You must have swallowed when they stuck it down your throat.
As far as the election results go...hell that crap doesn't bother the BOC of Dekalb County...the voters in this county are majority Democrat anyways...they can't see past the $hit on their noses...they have absolutely no idea that they are their on worse enemies....trust me ...look at who the citizens in this county supported for Govonor...Roy Barnes. That should wake you all up and let you smell the ammonia...

I can only say that I feel really bad for Yarborough...cause he is a great guy and leader who has respect of his officers but unfortunately will be another casualty in this department

Anonymous said...

Whats up with his Yarbrough's hair? Is there a mirror and some hair gel in his new office? I suggest the county get this guy a comb, some gel and a mirror STAT....If we want moral to improve make sure we keep his hair in tip top shape. We need to have Bosley hair club on standby in case 1 hair, 1 single hair falls out, so that it might be saved. Keep up the good fight troops Yarbs is a good guy and honestly has the best intrest for all of us, there is a lot of red tape to get through and some Democrats that need to be overthrown, but time will only tell what the citizens of this county really want.

Anonymous said...

Well atleast someone got a pay raise!
Sure as hell wasnt me, and god knows that I too have saved peoples life. Infact I'd be willing to bet I have more awards than Op Captain K.

Anonymous said...

Making long sleeve shirts optional would go along way to improving morale right now!

Anonymous said...

Here is the way morale is about to improve. No one off New Year's Eve. Ten officers must work Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guess you guys who were on holiday, vacation, furlough, etc. will now be working. Hope you boys enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

Both are good men. The demotion just goes along with being a Captain.

Anonymous said...

DeKalb elections changed just about nothing this year. The only crumb of hope is that James was elected DA. To anyone with real access to James. He needs restart the Grand juries and have them look at DeKalb operations and especially contracts, land buys, CEO and BOC staff employee salary policy compliance. The grand jury is a fabulous tool for rooting out ethical violations. Gwinnett has made good use of this tool as of late. James need to reinstate the policy of investigating DeKalb government on a bi-annual basis.
As for Derrick, he was a great guy to work with. Nothing in my work at the county has disturbed me as much this. We all knew Vernon was a snake, and it didn't take long to figure out Sidney Dorsey was bad news.
I considered Derrick a friend and I would of trusted my life to him if our backs were against wall. But you never know whats running through someones head or what is happening in the privacy of the family and marriage. I still believe Derrick would of protected my ass if anything ever went down at the Court house. But as the evidence came out on the case, and then his escape 10 months later (Which is worthy of a grand jury in itself) to Belize it is obvious Derrick did not believe he would be found innocent.
The jury has announced it has a ruling and we will know more this afternoon.

Keep the faith, mates!

Anonymous said...

Anon12, The jury agrees with you and so do I. Like I said before, I find this the most disturbing event in my tenure with DeKalb. I have difficulty trusting people and have learned to follow my instinct or hunches. As the evidence came out in the case and when Derrick ran, I had no doubt that I was totally wrong in my trust of Derrick.

Anonymous said...

@ Anon 3:41 cut the BS buddy!!!

That "just do your job" attitude is exactly what got us this far. Now I'm not saying to let the bad guy go. we have an obligation to the innocent but that "dont sweat the small stuff" talk is BULLSH*T!! You tell me what exactly is small about what was mentioned? Was it the 17 days next year? or Pay raise? Hummm, maybe it was the qweef sound you heard when Ellis left East roll call room!!

I'm a military man myself! We fought wars because we're a Nation that refuses to lay down! so we are not going to lay down now!!!!

Is this Capt'n Major Mathy? Keep on demanding 3 LONG COPIES from your crew why don't you!

Guys keep up the good work! We knew it wouldn't be a quick task!

Anonymous said...

The bottom line on Yarbrough is his EGO will not let him rest. Ten officers are working on holidays because his attitude is "nothing is going to happen on my watch". and now his watch consist of 5 pct.s 24 a day. The hell with officers and being home on the holidays. Great job building morale.

Anonymous said...

Glad Klisrath sorry a$$ was demoted to captain. Hope he retires and gets the hell on....

Anonymous said...

“Impossible Situation?” Is it impossible to show some respect to your subordinates? Is it impossible to get along with your fellow assistant chiefs and show some common courtesy? Is it impossible to allow for the possibility that veteran Captains and Majors may have a good idea? Is it impossible allow for the possibility that maybe you do not know everything about everything?

Frank Klisrath was demoted because he is an arrogant jackass who can not get along with anybody. To suggest that Chief O’Brien demoted him because the BOC handed out furlough days is ridiculous. Chief O’Brien has said several times that he does not want supervisors (especially Asst. Chiefs) treating people like dog shit. Maybe he actually meant it!

Anonymous said...

BRAVO anon 10:10!!!!! Very well said.

Sig63 said...

10 officers per shift need to work on Christmas Day and New Years Day? Where are they gonna get the extra officers so that there are 10 officers instead of the normal 5-8 that North Pct. normally puts out. I haven't read this order that is being discussed here but if this blog can be trusted, then here we go again. Leaders out of touch wth the reality of this department!

Anonymous said...

Sig 63, Maybe Assistant Chief Yarbrough will come to north precinct and work a patrol shift on Christmas and New Years to help get his ten units per shift. I think its the least that he can do since he's one of the few people to get a pay raise this year.