Thursday, September 30, 2010
Dekalb Officers Speak Blog Nominated for 2010 Safety Champion Award
Our blog has been nominated by the DeKalb Police Alliance for the 2010 Safety Champion Award.
The award honors police officers and community members who have a positive impact on public safety.
Anybody want to volunteer to receive the award if we should win?
Click here for a complete list of nominees.
The award honors police officers and community members who have a positive impact on public safety.
Anybody want to volunteer to receive the award if we should win?
Click here for a complete list of nominees.
This County Is In Serious Finacial Troubles
The county offered an early retirement to save money. Promising it would only cost 30 millions dollars, which it borrowed from our pension, in turn cost 43 million dollars now owed to our pension plus interest.
Not being the answer to the financial problems the commissioners were facing, they started forcing us to work holidays for no pay, and have now out right furloughed us.
Now, because departments are short on personnel, overtime is needed to fill the gaps. Some department heads are screaming they are running out of money because of the overtime being paid out.
On top of this, the commissioners borrowed an additional 36 million dollars from the federal government.
The commissioners are completely over their head. They must be depending on Sharon Sutton's economic expertise to guide them through these difficult times.
Not being the answer to the financial problems the commissioners were facing, they started forcing us to work holidays for no pay, and have now out right furloughed us.
Now, because departments are short on personnel, overtime is needed to fill the gaps. Some department heads are screaming they are running out of money because of the overtime being paid out.
On top of this, the commissioners borrowed an additional 36 million dollars from the federal government.
The commissioners are completely over their head. They must be depending on Sharon Sutton's economic expertise to guide them through these difficult times.
Immediate Plans For 12 Hours Shifts Are Placed On Hold
Maybe the command staff is listening after all.
The Command Staff has reviewed the top work schedules identified by the committee that met our objectives. After careful analysis, the consensus is that the current work schedule while limited can meet our current needs.
This decision was based on several figures:
1.Future Staffing and Budgetary concerns
2.Staffing issues relating to Officer Safety, Availability for Vacation Time, Call Volume versus Pro-Active Policing and Weekend Rotation have been resolved.
3.Assurances from the Ranks of Patrol Officers, Sergeants and Lieutenants that Community and Departmental Goals for Crime Reduction will be met within the current work schedule.
We will review the progress of these objectives again at the end of March 2011.
*Note – unforeseen changes may require a review prior to this date.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
SWAT In Shoot Out
Our SWAT guys were called to the scene of a domestic at a home on Fair Pines Drive just before 11 a.m.
Some idiot popped off a few rounds at our guys, and of course they returned fire. The bad guy was the only one wounded and was transported to Grady.
Too bad the guy didn't suffer a head shot. The county could have saved money on housing the fool in the jail, maybe enough over the years to give someone a furlough day back, or maybe a new uniform shirt.
Some idiot popped off a few rounds at our guys, and of course they returned fire. The bad guy was the only one wounded and was transported to Grady.
Too bad the guy didn't suffer a head shot. The county could have saved money on housing the fool in the jail, maybe enough over the years to give someone a furlough day back, or maybe a new uniform shirt.
Meanwhile, As We Are Being Fuloughed,...
The county has decided to borrow 36 million dollars in stimulus money. Yes borrowed. That money has to be paid back.
Commissioner Lee “This is a good example of the non-sexy things we do as county commissioners,” May, says, rebuilding the sewer system is top priority. We thought a strip mall at the old GM plant was top priority?
Commissioner Jeff Rader, who either lied or is completely out of touch, says we need a new north precinct, at the tune of 2.5 million dollars, to house the 60 officers per shift. Huh? Which precinct puts out 60 officers? Come back to reality Rader,we barely have 60 officers in a precinct. Why do we need a new building, especially while we are being furloughed? Can't the department just suck it up for while, like we having to do with our pay?
And speaking of furloughs, it seems the Sheriff's Department has managed to make cuts in their budget so deputies don't have to be furloughed. Go figure. Making cuts, now that's a novel idea. The only cuts going on around here is our pay!
In the meantime, we still have officers and detectives, and lets not forget the entire command staff, driving county owned cars using county gas, so they can have the luxury of having a take home car. Do these people live in the county? Maybe one.
Oh, but wait! We are getting new uniforms! Again! How many times over the last decade and a half have we changed uniforms? More money well spent. What police department changes uniforms with every administration change?
These people just don't don't get it.
The commissioners are spending money with complete disregard for the taxpayers and the future. Already they are crying the blues saying the county is facing a 30-50 million dollar short fall next year.
That's ok, they'll just continue to balance the budget on the backs of the police until our backs are broken. Rumor has it, the commissioners are discussing 15 furlough days in 2011. And don't forget, 12 hour shifts are probably coming right around the corner.
Complete insanity, that's all it can be, is insanity.
Click here for AJC story
Commissioner Lee “This is a good example of the non-sexy things we do as county commissioners,” May, says, rebuilding the sewer system is top priority. We thought a strip mall at the old GM plant was top priority?
Commissioner Jeff Rader, who either lied or is completely out of touch, says we need a new north precinct, at the tune of 2.5 million dollars, to house the 60 officers per shift. Huh? Which precinct puts out 60 officers? Come back to reality Rader,we barely have 60 officers in a precinct. Why do we need a new building, especially while we are being furloughed? Can't the department just suck it up for while, like we having to do with our pay?
And speaking of furloughs, it seems the Sheriff's Department has managed to make cuts in their budget so deputies don't have to be furloughed. Go figure. Making cuts, now that's a novel idea. The only cuts going on around here is our pay!
In the meantime, we still have officers and detectives, and lets not forget the entire command staff, driving county owned cars using county gas, so they can have the luxury of having a take home car. Do these people live in the county? Maybe one.
Oh, but wait! We are getting new uniforms! Again! How many times over the last decade and a half have we changed uniforms? More money well spent. What police department changes uniforms with every administration change?
These people just don't don't get it.
The commissioners are spending money with complete disregard for the taxpayers and the future. Already they are crying the blues saying the county is facing a 30-50 million dollar short fall next year.
That's ok, they'll just continue to balance the budget on the backs of the police until our backs are broken. Rumor has it, the commissioners are discussing 15 furlough days in 2011. And don't forget, 12 hour shifts are probably coming right around the corner.
Complete insanity, that's all it can be, is insanity.
Click here for AJC story
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Pension News
The latest information about our pension is from the July 2010 meeting.
Looks like the commissioners have gone against recommendations not to rehire retirees.
More disturbing is we were under the impression the "early out" cost us 30 million dollars. Instead it cost 43 million dollars.
We don't like what we are reading. We can see why they are being delinquent on posting the latest minutes from the meetings.
Click here for the July 2010 meeting minutes.
Looks like the commissioners have gone against recommendations not to rehire retirees.
More disturbing is we were under the impression the "early out" cost us 30 million dollars. Instead it cost 43 million dollars.
We don't like what we are reading. We can see why they are being delinquent on posting the latest minutes from the meetings.
Click here for the July 2010 meeting minutes.
Housing Authority Has Have Opportunity To Do The Right Thing
Soon, the HADC commissioners will decide on an executive director for the dysfunctional housing authority.
The housing authority is already under a microscope for it's misappropriation of 2.5 million dollars and other questionable dealings.
The HADC commissioners have the opportunity to name one of two (2) very well qualified people who are from the "outside" with proven track records. Or they can choose Eugene P. "Pete" Walker Jr., who is encompassed with controversy, which includes current business contracts with the housing authority.
Working in Walker's favor is that his father, Eugene Walker, is a former State Senator representing DeKalb County, a former member of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles and now serves on the school board.
And we all know how corrupt the school board is.
Click here to read more.
Like Father, Like Son
The housing authority is already under a microscope for it's misappropriation of 2.5 million dollars and other questionable dealings.
The HADC commissioners have the opportunity to name one of two (2) very well qualified people who are from the "outside" with proven track records. Or they can choose Eugene P. "Pete" Walker Jr., who is encompassed with controversy, which includes current business contracts with the housing authority.
Working in Walker's favor is that his father, Eugene Walker, is a former State Senator representing DeKalb County, a former member of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles and now serves on the school board.
And we all know how corrupt the school board is.
Click here to read more.
Like Father, Like Son
Friday, September 24, 2010
Yikes! 90 Goes Down!
Thank goodness everyone is OK!
To talking head Amanda Davis; You probably asked the most stupid question in your career. "Does this happen often?" Are you freaking serious?
To talking head Amanda Davis; You probably asked the most stupid question in your career. "Does this happen often?" Are you freaking serious?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Benefits...Kaiser To Increase 15%, Cigna HMO To Be Dropped
On top of furlough days and impending increases in pension contributions , the commissioners have decided to raise our contributions for Kaiser health insurance by 15% in 2011.
They also decided to drop Cigna's HMO.
The hits just keep on coming.
Read it and weep here.
They also decided to drop Cigna's HMO.
The hits just keep on coming.
Read it and weep here.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Bishop Eddie Long, Who's a Board Member of The DeKalb Police Alliance, Busted For Coercing Boys For Sex
Only thing worse than being found in bed with a little boy is.............
Lawsuits accuses Bishop Eddie Long of sexual coercion. Click here for more.
Lawsuits accuses Bishop Eddie Long of sexual coercion. Click here for more.
Burrell Ellis Should Resign. Criminal Investigation Warranted
It gets to the point where you literally want to throw up. We are being furloughed because the county claims there is not enough money to pay us, yet Burrell Ellis hands out hush money and car payments.
We are sick of all the excuses of "having to make bad decisions", "we made a mistake", "we're only human".
Just think folks, the commissioners tried balancing the budget on the backs of public safety by forcing us to work holidays for no pay. Only until we stood up and said enough is enough with a ticket slowdown.
But it keeps coming. The commissioners can find all this money for themselves, their staff, their retired staff and their terminated staff. And now this.
Burrell Ellis and the commissioners have ruined the morale of the police department to the point where it may not be recoverable. And looming over the horizon is 12 hour shifts, disrupting our lives even further.
Makes you wonder if all this is intentional. Do they want to see the county in complete chaos? If the county is bankrupted, with a decayed public safety department, it can have far reaching implications.
Mr. C.E.O., resign for the good of the citizenry!
Read more here.
We are sick of all the excuses of "having to make bad decisions", "we made a mistake", "we're only human".
Just think folks, the commissioners tried balancing the budget on the backs of public safety by forcing us to work holidays for no pay. Only until we stood up and said enough is enough with a ticket slowdown.
But it keeps coming. The commissioners can find all this money for themselves, their staff, their retired staff and their terminated staff. And now this.
Burrell Ellis and the commissioners have ruined the morale of the police department to the point where it may not be recoverable. And looming over the horizon is 12 hour shifts, disrupting our lives even further.
Makes you wonder if all this is intentional. Do they want to see the county in complete chaos? If the county is bankrupted, with a decayed public safety department, it can have far reaching implications.
Mr. C.E.O., resign for the good of the citizenry!
Read more here.
Commissioners To Host "Lavish" Dinner For All County Employees
Do they ever stop?! While we are being furloughed, no cost of living raises, commission staff getting raises up to 34% yearly, retired commission staff shown favoritism being rehired and the county facing up to a 20 million dollar deficit, the commissioners decide to throw a self described "lavish" dinner for all county employees.
There are approximately 7000 employees. What is the price tag on this lavish party? At 10 dollars per person, that would be $70,000.00 dollars.
These people are simply out of control!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Commissioners Continue To Take Care of Their Own
Not only did the commissioners give their staff pay raises up to 34% per year, they are now rehiring members of their staff who took advantage of early retirement.
Margaret Britton, who is mentioned in the video, was and is again, Commissioner Larry Johnson's secretary.
Commissioner Lee May is quoted as saying "It's basically an option from a bunch of bad choices, but we had to make the best choice that we could at this moment,"
Listen up Mr. May, you and the rest of the commissioners were elected to make the best choice from a bunch of good choices. You continue to show your idiocy.
Oh, did we mention we're being furloughed?
Margaret Britton, who is mentioned in the video, was and is again, Commissioner Larry Johnson's secretary.
Commissioner Lee May is quoted as saying "It's basically an option from a bunch of bad choices, but we had to make the best choice that we could at this moment,"
Listen up Mr. May, you and the rest of the commissioners were elected to make the best choice from a bunch of good choices. You continue to show your idiocy.
Oh, did we mention we're being furloughed?
Traffic Accidents Down 8.5%
Are traffic citations a deterrent to bad driving habits, or a cash cow for the county commissioners?
During the month of August, and during our ticket slow down, traffic accidents were down 8.5% from the same month last year.
Looks like writing warnings has a better effect on driver behavior than citations.
Maybe the next time the department wants have some sort of citation issuing blitz on the unsuspecting public, the powers at be can come up with some catchy phrase like "Tax Man Cometh!"
During the month of August, and during our ticket slow down, traffic accidents were down 8.5% from the same month last year.
Looks like writing warnings has a better effect on driver behavior than citations.
Maybe the next time the department wants have some sort of citation issuing blitz on the unsuspecting public, the powers at be can come up with some catchy phrase like "Tax Man Cometh!"
Friday, September 17, 2010
Officer Hurt In Off Duty Motorcycle Accident
A DeKalb County motorcycle police officer who was hit while escorting a funeral procession in Snellville Friday may need facial surgery.
His name has not been released.
Click here for more.
His name has not been released.
Click here for more.
Pension Update From Board Member Robert Robertson
I have just found out about this blog and I wanted to personally address some of the comments on here. First of all, if you check the minutes of the pension board meetings, I have REPEATEDLY asked and demanded for COLAs for the retirees and even suggested a 'built in' COLA for the retirees. The issue is that the pension board cannot, while working within their fiduciary responsibility, vote in a COLA when there is not adequate funding to cover the cost.
Rest assured, I have been lobbying diligently for the COLA, as I, too, have not had a COLA since June 2006, when I retired. In addition, no matter what the board recommends to the BOC, the board of commissioners needs to vote to approve any enhancements to the plan and they have been dead set against any COLAs.
You currently have access to all the published minutes of the board meetings because I fought for the minutes to be publicly posted. Do your research on that too. There is not a centralized database for retirees which I can access and, therefore distribute news/info, so I thought that by publishing the minutes, I was doing the best service for all involved.
I have personally spent my own money to go to the board meetings so I can respresent the retirees in the best way possible no matter where I am. I have also spent my own money to attend educational events, so I can better represent the needs of the retirees.
Robert Robertson
Rest assured, I have been lobbying diligently for the COLA, as I, too, have not had a COLA since June 2006, when I retired. In addition, no matter what the board recommends to the BOC, the board of commissioners needs to vote to approve any enhancements to the plan and they have been dead set against any COLAs.
You currently have access to all the published minutes of the board meetings because I fought for the minutes to be publicly posted. Do your research on that too. There is not a centralized database for retirees which I can access and, therefore distribute news/info, so I thought that by publishing the minutes, I was doing the best service for all involved.
I have personally spent my own money to go to the board meetings so I can respresent the retirees in the best way possible no matter where I am. I have also spent my own money to attend educational events, so I can better represent the needs of the retirees.
Robert Robertson
Leadership From The Top
 |
| Has anyone seen this man? |
We know what's coming from the top, and it don't smell like leadership, that's for sure.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
2010 Step Up Golf Tournament
The 5th annual Step Up Golf Tournament in honor of slain Detective Dennis Stepnowski will be held Monday November 1, 2010 at Windermere Country Club.
Click here for registration form and more information.
Deadline to enter is October 15, 2010.
County Renews Contract With VisionAir
The commissioners voted to approve $573,810.64, an increase of $499,228.00, to VisionAir, Inc for continued maintenance services for Mobile Laptop Dispatch/Police Reporting System.
In all honesty, the commissioners don't have a clue how VisionAir (and it seems we don't either) works, or should work. They relay on input from the mysterious Director of Public Safety, Wiz Miller.
Again, where was Ol' Wiz during the "work for no pay" crisis? Do we still have a Public Safety Director? Will it take another police officer getting shot before Wiz magically appears?
In all honesty, the commissioners don't have a clue how VisionAir (and it seems we don't either) works, or should work. They relay on input from the mysterious Director of Public Safety, Wiz Miller.
Again, where was Ol' Wiz during the "work for no pay" crisis? Do we still have a Public Safety Director? Will it take another police officer getting shot before Wiz magically appears?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Dunwoody Police Has Opening For Two
Dunwoody Police has openings for 2 who want to serve with distinction.
"If You Don't Vet It With The Public, You Will Be Crucified. It's Their Money."
DeKalb commissioners reject stimulus bonds.
At least Elaine Boyer gets it. Who would have imagined Burrell Ellis would be so incompetent?
Goes hand and hand with his appointment of Wiz Miller as Director of Public Safety. During the crisis of "work for no play" and morale dropping to historic lows, where has the Ol' Wizard been?
Click here for AJC article.
At least Elaine Boyer gets it. Who would have imagined Burrell Ellis would be so incompetent?
Goes hand and hand with his appointment of Wiz Miller as Director of Public Safety. During the crisis of "work for no play" and morale dropping to historic lows, where has the Ol' Wizard been?
Click here for AJC article.
Whoa, Nelly!
Probably knowing ahead of time the commissioners were going to furlough us, and wrongfully thinking all is well within the police department, Judge Nelly Withers is already spending the money.
She whats to borrow federal money to build a new physicality. She said it won't cost the taxpayers one dime, the cost of the loan would be covered by traffic fines. Is she crazy?
Does she honestly think in these turbulent times between the police and the commissioners we are willing to write tickets to pay for a building? Simply put, that is lunacy.
If the commissioners are not willing to tax homeowners to provide for public safety needs, including full pay and cost of living increases, then we'll be damned if we'll tax the motorist of DeKalb County!
We are not the tax man!
Hey Judge, once you figure out how to schedule officers where they don't have to appear in court 3 separate times a day, including our off days, then maybe a rational thought will come to you on how to house the court.
She whats to borrow federal money to build a new physicality. She said it won't cost the taxpayers one dime, the cost of the loan would be covered by traffic fines. Is she crazy?
Does she honestly think in these turbulent times between the police and the commissioners we are willing to write tickets to pay for a building? Simply put, that is lunacy.
If the commissioners are not willing to tax homeowners to provide for public safety needs, including full pay and cost of living increases, then we'll be damned if we'll tax the motorist of DeKalb County!
We are not the tax man!
Hey Judge, once you figure out how to schedule officers where they don't have to appear in court 3 separate times a day, including our off days, then maybe a rational thought will come to you on how to house the court.
Bitter Sweet....But Not So Fast
Some seem to be celebrating that the ticket slow down has worked, we got our furlough and the ticket slow down has ended, that we have victory in hand. But not so fast.
First of all, there are no winners. We are all losers. We continue to lose pay, at least now we get to stay home with family and friends instead of risking life and limb for no pay. The citizens lose because during the furlough days, public safety will be at risk. Until the end of the year, there will be less police and fire personnel working. No victory there.
Secondly we would like to thank the C.E.O. for admitting we at least have his attention, if not all the commissioners.
Thirdly, we would like to say to all the other departments in the county; You're welcome!
Now. We have a long way to go. Just as Chief O'Brien said, there are more issues to address. We will be addressing these issues in the upcoming days. You can bet they include; changing our work schedule, Recorders Court scheduling, how the commissioners look to Recorders Court as a cash cow, increase of insurance premiums, increase in pension contributions and of course the wasteful spending of taxpayers money, i.e. new precinct buildings.
A word to Judge Nelly Withers and the all the commissioners: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Commissioners To Vote On Furlough Days
The commissioners are voting today to furlough us 4 days before the end of the year.
Also on the agenda is discussion about our health and dental benefits.
Stay tuned
Click here for agenda.
Also on the agenda is discussion about our health and dental benefits.
Stay tuned
Click here for agenda.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Is This County Serious?
A DeKalb County resident is busted for growing too many vegetables. Not marijuana, not opium, but vegetables!
This is so ridiculous, the story has made it on the Drudge Report, a blog that has about 020,191,381 readers per day.
Once again this county makes us proud!
This is so ridiculous, the story has made it on the Drudge Report, a blog that has about 020,191,381 readers per day.
Once again this county makes us proud!
Burrell Ellis Once Again Surrounds Himself With Questionable People, Even Convicted Racist
How does Burrell Ellis sleep at night. Or is everything he does intentional with malice? What makes this man tick?
He hands out hush money like candy, terminating his Public Information Officer for calling police murderers, yet sticks $46,000. dollars in her pocket to keep her quit. His Chief Operating Officer is fired because of unwanted sexual advances and is given $100,000. in severance pay.
Now he has appointed Richard Stogner as replacement Chief Operating Officer. In April of 2009, Richard Stogner was found guilty along with Vernon Jones of racism in the workplace as well as creating a hostile work environment.
Are the commissioners and citizens of DeKalb County just going to set back and allow this to happen?
He hands out hush money like candy, terminating his Public Information Officer for calling police murderers, yet sticks $46,000. dollars in her pocket to keep her quit. His Chief Operating Officer is fired because of unwanted sexual advances and is given $100,000. in severance pay.
Now he has appointed Richard Stogner as replacement Chief Operating Officer. In April of 2009, Richard Stogner was found guilty along with Vernon Jones of racism in the workplace as well as creating a hostile work environment.
Are the commissioners and citizens of DeKalb County just going to set back and allow this to happen?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Attention All Sworn DeKalb Police Personnel
All F.O.P. members and non-members:
People this is your chance to show solidarity. Please do not let this opportunity pass you by.
We have been screaming for the F.O.P to do something for months.. Well now they are doing it. Please make every effort you can to attend and voice your concerns. Our future work conditions may very well depend on it.
We here at DeKalb Officers feel so strongly about these meetings, we will not be posting any news until Monday, September 13. We want to ensure the meeting dates and times get maximum exposure. We will however keep all comments updated.
Again this is for F.O.P members and non-members alike. BE THERE!
The DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is having a meeting at the lodge for ALL DeKalb Police Officers. If you are interested/concerned about your current and/or future working conditions, pay, etc., it is important you attend one of these meetings. You must show your Police ID at the door, as non-sworn personnel will not be allowed entry.
Meeting dates are:
Sunday, September 12th, 1700 hrs.
Monday, September 13th, 1100 hrs. and 1900 hrs.
DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police
1238 Ridge Ave.
We have been screaming for the F.O.P to do something for months.. Well now they are doing it. Please make every effort you can to attend and voice your concerns. Our future work conditions may very well depend on it.
We here at DeKalb Officers feel so strongly about these meetings, we will not be posting any news until Monday, September 13. We want to ensure the meeting dates and times get maximum exposure. We will however keep all comments updated.
Again this is for F.O.P members and non-members alike. BE THERE!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Recorders Court In Complete Disaray
Recorders Court scheduling has collapsed.
Officers are now being told not to appear in court on pre-scheduled court dates, they will be told in roll call when to attend Recorders Court.
Unbelievable! This is what happens when you try to work around everyone's schedule but the police officer's.
It is reported Recorders Court has surpassed it's allotted budget to pay officers overtime.
Has anyone thought of night court? Now that would be an original idea!
Officers are now being told not to appear in court on pre-scheduled court dates, they will be told in roll call when to attend Recorders Court.
Unbelievable! This is what happens when you try to work around everyone's schedule but the police officer's.
It is reported Recorders Court has surpassed it's allotted budget to pay officers overtime.
Has anyone thought of night court? Now that would be an original idea!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
No Money Down! We'll Pay Off Your Loan No Matter How Much You Owe! Your Job Is Your Credit!
Now we know what all the hurry is about. Very recently the command staff has been running around like chickens with theirs heads cut off, redesigning precinct boundaries and trying to find buildings the county can purchase to house the precincts.
Some of us were scratching our heads, wondering, where is all the money coming from? They can’t pay us for holidays, they force us to work for no pay, but yet the county has money to spend on new precincts?
Now the truth comes out. Burrell Ellis, had a back up plan. You see, just like a crack addict, he can’t fight his addiction of borrowing money and raising taxes. He must have figured the taxpayers would not go for spending 36 million dollars on a glorified strip mall when everyone is broke. So in the background, he has been scheming to spend the money elsewhere.
So he figures, hey, if I say I’m spending it on public safety, (on buildings mind you, not equipment or paid holidays) then the public will fall for it. Well guess what Mr. C.E.O., the taxpayers are not falling for it. You wanted to raise taxes to give public safety a raise and you were shot down. Why do you think they would approve something as crazy as this?
Especially when they learn the building you want to buy for 5 million dollars at Stonecrest Mall is the abandoned car dealership of one Malcolm Cunningham. Ah, who is Malcolm Cunningham you ask? The same Cunningham who contributed to Burrell Ellis’ campaign for C.E.O.
The same Malcolm Cunningham who owns a Ford dealership on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Why is this important? Because Cunningham Ford now does all the preventive maintenance on all the police cars. Hmmmm, funny thing, we can’t find where Cunningham bid on the contract.
The taxpayers of DeKalb County already owe nearly 950 million dollars, almost 1 billion dollars in bonds. And now you want to borrow an additional 36 million so you can take care of your buddies?
Just to remind you Mr. Ellis, our pay is getting cut one third for the month of November. That’s one third. We don’t need no stinking buildings, we need our normal pay!
Some of us were scratching our heads, wondering, where is all the money coming from? They can’t pay us for holidays, they force us to work for no pay, but yet the county has money to spend on new precincts?
Now the truth comes out. Burrell Ellis, had a back up plan. You see, just like a crack addict, he can’t fight his addiction of borrowing money and raising taxes. He must have figured the taxpayers would not go for spending 36 million dollars on a glorified strip mall when everyone is broke. So in the background, he has been scheming to spend the money elsewhere.
So he figures, hey, if I say I’m spending it on public safety, (on buildings mind you, not equipment or paid holidays) then the public will fall for it. Well guess what Mr. C.E.O., the taxpayers are not falling for it. You wanted to raise taxes to give public safety a raise and you were shot down. Why do you think they would approve something as crazy as this?
Especially when they learn the building you want to buy for 5 million dollars at Stonecrest Mall is the abandoned car dealership of one Malcolm Cunningham. Ah, who is Malcolm Cunningham you ask? The same Cunningham who contributed to Burrell Ellis’ campaign for C.E.O.
The same Malcolm Cunningham who owns a Ford dealership on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Why is this important? Because Cunningham Ford now does all the preventive maintenance on all the police cars. Hmmmm, funny thing, we can’t find where Cunningham bid on the contract.
The taxpayers of DeKalb County already owe nearly 950 million dollars, almost 1 billion dollars in bonds. And now you want to borrow an additional 36 million so you can take care of your buddies?
Just to remind you Mr. Ellis, our pay is getting cut one third for the month of November. That’s one third. We don’t need no stinking buildings, we need our normal pay!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wild Times In South Precinct
ATM Theft Leads To Police Chase, Shots Fired
One good part of this is the officers were not seriously injured. The other good part is, if this had happened on Monday, the officers would have done all this without pay.
The bad part, the perps lived.
Click here to read more.
One good part of this is the officers were not seriously injured. The other good part is, if this had happened on Monday, the officers would have done all this without pay.
The bad part, the perps lived.
Click here to read more.
Friday, September 3, 2010
C.E.O. Burrell Ellis, Chief Bill O'Brien Make Surprise Visit to Tucker Precinct Roll Call
Information is coming in that Burrell, Chief O'Brien and other members of the command staff made a surprise visit to Tucker Precinct Evening Watch roll call.
We're told when Ellis was asked about pay raises, in particular, his staff getting pay raises, Ellis was doing the typical politician soft shoe dance.
Sure will be interesting to hear tales of the roll call when evening watch gets off.
We're told when Ellis was asked about pay raises, in particular, his staff getting pay raises, Ellis was doing the typical politician soft shoe dance.
Sure will be interesting to hear tales of the roll call when evening watch gets off.
Must Be Something In The Water
Yet another employee in the Watershed Department has made allegations of sexual harassment. This time it's against the department head.
Click here for more.
Click here for more.
In Between Handing Out Hush Money And Giving Staff Pay Raises, Burrell Ellis Should Take Note
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is showing signs of true leadership. Not only did he eliminate APD's furlough days, getting them back up to full pay, he is also seeking a pay raise for them.
Now the man gets in the trenches with sanitation to learn their job and concerns in hopes of improving work conditions.
It seems Burrell Ellis is doing the exact opposite. He and the leadership of Public Safety appear to be deliberately trying to make our work conditions worse.
Now the man gets in the trenches with sanitation to learn their job and concerns in hopes of improving work conditions.
It seems Burrell Ellis is doing the exact opposite. He and the leadership of Public Safety appear to be deliberately trying to make our work conditions worse.
August 2010 Statistics Are Out
Traffic citations down 36% from last month.
Warning tickets up 62% from last month.
Warning tickets up 62% from last month.
More On Recorders Court....
It seems every time we turn around, we are getting hammered by the powers at be. Be it the commission forcing us to work without pay on holidays, the command staff threatening to put us on a 12 hour work schedule, to Recorders Court throwing a wrench into the court schedule without any respect for our personal lives.
The reason for scheduling court dates in advance is obvious. We schedule our court time around off days, leave time, manpower and to save the taxpayers money in reduced court overtime.
Since Judge Withers was appointed by Burrell Ellis as Chief Judge, she has managed to royally screw things up. (Imagine, a Burrell Ellis appointee screwing things up.) She came up with scheduling officers to appear in court at 9;00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5 PM on the same day.
We have complied with this ridiculous scheduling without much fanfare. Well guess what folks, it's time to stop being made fools of.
Someone once said; "The way to shut down this department, is to follow policy to the "t". And that is exactly what we should do. When it comes to Recorders Court, each officer has to appear on their predetermined date. Without question. BUT, beyond that, a subpoena is required.
These ludicrous court times of 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM are scheduled by the courts, yet the the court does not issue subpoenas for those times.
Now the court wants to totally disregard the schedules for October, November and December. And our response is: Not without a freaking subpoena!
We will not appear in Recorders Court beyond our scheduled date and time without a subpoena, period. We have the backing of rules and regulations. Some supervisors may scream, yell and threaten to suspend us, but they can't discipline us. We must not be intimidated by the brass. If we are suspended, then we will fight it through the Merit System. We cannot stress the importance of joining the F.O.P. and/or the P.B.A. just for legal representation alone.
Now, this is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to Director Wiz Miller and Chief O'Brien. Will they support us, or will they bow and change policy? Will they stand up for us, or continue with what appears to be deliberate suppression of the uniform officer? Will they kick us in the groin one more time?
Never in the history of DeKalb County has there been such a "boot to the throat" attitude toward the police officer by the commission, court system and command staff. Enough is enough! It is time to make a stand!
The reason for scheduling court dates in advance is obvious. We schedule our court time around off days, leave time, manpower and to save the taxpayers money in reduced court overtime.
Since Judge Withers was appointed by Burrell Ellis as Chief Judge, she has managed to royally screw things up. (Imagine, a Burrell Ellis appointee screwing things up.) She came up with scheduling officers to appear in court at 9;00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5 PM on the same day.
We have complied with this ridiculous scheduling without much fanfare. Well guess what folks, it's time to stop being made fools of.
Someone once said; "The way to shut down this department, is to follow policy to the "t". And that is exactly what we should do. When it comes to Recorders Court, each officer has to appear on their predetermined date. Without question. BUT, beyond that, a subpoena is required.
These ludicrous court times of 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM are scheduled by the courts, yet the the court does not issue subpoenas for those times.
Now the court wants to totally disregard the schedules for October, November and December. And our response is: Not without a freaking subpoena!
We will not appear in Recorders Court beyond our scheduled date and time without a subpoena, period. We have the backing of rules and regulations. Some supervisors may scream, yell and threaten to suspend us, but they can't discipline us. We must not be intimidated by the brass. If we are suspended, then we will fight it through the Merit System. We cannot stress the importance of joining the F.O.P. and/or the P.B.A. just for legal representation alone.
Now, this is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to Director Wiz Miller and Chief O'Brien. Will they support us, or will they bow and change policy? Will they stand up for us, or continue with what appears to be deliberate suppression of the uniform officer? Will they kick us in the groin one more time?
Never in the history of DeKalb County has there been such a "boot to the throat" attitude toward the police officer by the commission, court system and command staff. Enough is enough! It is time to make a stand!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Recorders Court Changes Pre-Planned Court Dates
Recorders Court has decided to change the preselected court dates of each officer with total disregard for the officer's regular off days, leave time, child care issues and overtime cost to the taxpayers of DeKalb.
All court dates for October, November and December will be changed to conform to the courts scheduling, not yours.
Who loves you baby?
All court dates for October, November and December will be changed to conform to the courts scheduling, not yours.
Who loves you baby?
Keith Barker Fired! Gets $100,000.00 In Hush Money.....We Mean Severance
Another Burrell Ellis appointee embarrasses the county.
County Officals To Hold Press Conference
Seems Keith Barker, Burrell Ellis' right hand man, has been having love soirees with a county employee.
How much "hush money" is this going to cost the taxpayers?
Should be interesting.
Click here for more.
How much "hush money" is this going to cost the taxpayers?
Should be interesting.
Click here for more.
Who Is Burrell Surrounding Himself With?
It seems Burrell Ellis has lost all confidence of the voting public and most importantly, the Public Safety Department in general. All because of his bad decisions, and because of the people he has chosen to surround himself with.
First, he refuses to take a reduction in pay as all county employees are required to. He refuses to work holidays at no pay as he is requiring police officers to do.
He gave some of his staff a pay raise of up to 34% per year, while forcing police officers to work holidays with no pay and go without merit pay increases, much less cost of living raises.
He chose Shelia Edwards as his spokesperson. After she embarrassed Burrell about him not taking a reduction in pay, and after she accused a New Jersey police officer of being a murderer, she was forced to resign. But only after Mr. Ellis gave her "hush money" in the amount of $45,980.00.
Now we learn of accusations that Keith Barker, the county's Chief Operations Officer, has been sexually harassing a female county employee via email.
Undoubtedly Mr. Barker should be forced to resign. The question is, how much "hush money" will Burrell give him?
First, he refuses to take a reduction in pay as all county employees are required to. He refuses to work holidays at no pay as he is requiring police officers to do.
He gave some of his staff a pay raise of up to 34% per year, while forcing police officers to work holidays with no pay and go without merit pay increases, much less cost of living raises.
He chose Shelia Edwards as his spokesperson. After she embarrassed Burrell about him not taking a reduction in pay, and after she accused a New Jersey police officer of being a murderer, she was forced to resign. But only after Mr. Ellis gave her "hush money" in the amount of $45,980.00.
Now we learn of accusations that Keith Barker, the county's Chief Operations Officer, has been sexually harassing a female county employee via email.
Undoubtedly Mr. Barker should be forced to resign. The question is, how much "hush money" will Burrell give him?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Gwen Fleming Resigns As District Attorney To Take Federal Job
Gwen Fleming did the citizens of DeKalb County a large favor by resigning to work at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Good riddance!
Click here to read more.
Good riddance!
Click here to read more.
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