We got the attention of the commissioners and the command staff during our “ticket furlough.” The command staff made pie in the sky promises, even went as far as to dangle a take home car program in front of us, if we would go back to writing tickets.
They disguised our new guns as a reward for ending the ticket furlough. Those guns were already in the works. The timing just happened to be in favor of the command staff. We got new uniforms…thanks for nothing.
Chief O’Brien went on a very sincere tour of all the precincts and roll calls trying to get us on board, hoping that a truce with the commissioners would end in our favor.
The commissioners made threats that if we didn’t end the ticket furlough, they would have to slash our benefits and make cuts. The played us for fools!
Even though we ended the ticket furlough, the commissioners followed through with their threats anyway. For ending the ticket furlough, what did we receive in return? 5 precinct reduction in promotional pay, increase in pension contribution of 66 percent, increase in health insurance premiums, reduction in vacation time, reduction of vacation roll over to sick time, thus increasing the years of service before retirement. And now they reduced 10-hour employees (us) holiday time. We now are only paid 8 of the 10 hours. We will be forced to take vacation or comp time to make the difference.
Bottom line, overall reduction in pay.
Enough is enough! Again, the commissioners place the burden of their failed budget policy's on the backs of the police.
What more can they do to us that they haven’t done already? Some scream unionization or strike. That will never work. Georgia is a right work state, so a union is toothless and pointless. Strike? We only put the public and each other in danger, plus there’s not enough organization. Besides, the only thing we produce is revenue through the form of traffic citations. We don’t produce a “product” like a company does.
Time to hit them where it hurts! Let them share in our misery. The only way we can fight back is through a ticket strike. They heard us loud and clear last time, time for them to hear from us again.
Call it what it is, a ticket strike....and now!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
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94 comments:
Im down and Im sure alot of other people are too but its the 3000s and up that you have to worry about!
As a lowly resident of Dekalb, had I the power the CEO/commissioners/etc do, I'd slash the county workforce by half, but fund to PROPER levels police/fire/public safety.
More power to you all of you.
I'm in!!!!
Bring it on.... the county won't stop until they have our pension....time to take a stand.
No tickets and sue
Sounds like a good thing to do
No money, no raise, no food on the table
The CEO & BOC are the ones who are able
Lets go to court and tell them whats right
Then we will come back with a big bite
No more tickets and sue
Sounds like a good thing to do !!
The strike needs to be permanent this time. I already been slowing down my tickets. I just pull people over, run their license and keep them moving. I even ignored one man who had an expired tag. I told him get the tag current or else he will not be so lucky next time. I give them as much effort as they give me. Motorists are happy and the ones that want to be roadside lawyers with attitudes, then I will write the citation.
So sad it's come to this. I wasn't one to tell my fellow officers to "Strike" on citations the last time, but now it's different. It's become personal. Benefits have all but reduced to that of a fast food employee. No raises, just reductions. I'm with you. It's time to stand up for ourselves. We can only be punched so many times before we hit back, and the time to react is now.
the problem is that the command staff is not on board. A certain Major strictly sees tickets as the ONLY form of production. Warnings dont count, if you dont have 40-50 tickets a month, you are reassigned to a different watch or days off are switched. Any suggestions?
This includes everything..seatbelts, stop signs, red lights, tags, and all. They like the red cameras so much let them worry about the red light runners. I will not run tags as I patrol, I will only focus on answering calls and making quality arrests not arrests just to pad stats. At the same time, I will be seeking employment with another agency that allows me to police while taking care of me. Folks, as soon as they threaten us with writeups for no tickets, call the media. Where was that online radio guy who was posting here? He wants something to report, well he will get it. Lets see what he will do with it.
Well as a supervisor I say ok, im fed up with the lies by the BOC. They are doing nothing more than lining their own pockets on our backs.
The time has come once again, so if Im checking you end at shifts end and you are turning in citations, well im going to assume your are part of the problem and not the solution.
I will make an example out of you, there is nothing left to take from us boys, time for some pay back lets help out the common citizen.
Sorry Chief O but we have to stand for ourselves now, I really do believe in you, but the BOC has a different agenda.
One person cannot speak for me anylonger.
Well I am down with it f$$$ this county and the BOC. This time can someone please tell the folks at east to get with the program. Forget that little fellow in the office he dont run anything lets strike people.
I'm all for it, but it's the rookies I'm worried about! Too many ticket nazis! I already know certain people will carry on with business as usual!
Listen up Center Pct 2800-3000 badge #'s! You know who you are! Don't make me out you on here!
New guns and uniforms don't help me pay my bills! I do not consider them any type of perk or incentive, just a change in county equipment!
What to do????
Don't really like the idea of a ticket strike since alot of officers use it as an excuse to continue to do nothing. On the other hand what other leverage do you have?
The BOC and CEO continue to take advantage of you and make you look like fools. The chief is powerless and has to answer to every political crony in Decatur.
The only real option is to leave the department. If you think a ticket slowdown will "show the county" I'm not so sure. They will further punish those that cannot leave by making up the differnce in healthcare and pension increases.
The real problem here is that they have pushed officers to a point where most of them don't want to be here. It will take years, if ever, for the department to recover.
Good luck officers, I sincerely hope your actions will result in a satisfactory outcome.
A ticket slow down does not mean we will stop doing our JOBS & STAYING TRUE TO OUR OATH OF OFFICE......continue going out on traffic stops and suspicious people..... run them ...look for contraband in plain view...make the J1's.....but for God's sake..... turn in a boatload of warnings....a slow down without an increase in warnings does not send a message......warnings show our dedication to the calling.....and highlights what the BOC is losing.
You can't be fired or disciplined for doing your job..... warnings show that you've been busy and didn't just park under a tree for ten hours.
That warning protects you when someone complains that you were just harassing them.....it also gives your supervisor hard proof that you are doing your job and should be left alone.
Why not focus on quality felony dope cases rather than writing a bunch of retarded tickets.
Strike or no strike that should be the goal of any officer with half a brain.
There are several agencies out there hiring that will pay you for your experience and give you a take home car on the first day.
Hell the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank is hiring and you get fed benefits and much higher pay...although no action.
"M outta here ASAP" is outta here and not a minute too soon.... I really do feel soory for the ones that really cant leave any time soon God speed......
Thats a good idea, we all understand there is a time for a ticket here and there, but im telling you now that I have spoken with someone at each precinct we will have the names of the officers that write more than 20 tickets a month. I will start posting stats on this blog along with your badge numbers. Yes folks we have to conduct traffic stops, and stay within DeKalb Policy. Everyone needs to read policy on enforcing traffic laws. Continue to do a few traffic stops here and there, and write your two warning citations a shift. The first non laser operator that turns in more than 2 citations for bs on my watch will end up on this blog. I will not use your name, I will use your badge number.
Dear Blogmaster
Do I have your support with this?
unfortunately my watch isnt very tightly knit, due to 2800-3100 badge numbers. The guys who have been here for a while are all on board, its about 3 or 4 on every watch at my precinct that cant get with the program, that messes this up
Often a budget cut is about thinning out the field when it should equally be thinning out management.
I'm all for less tickets too! My son got one speeding home the other day because his father, a DeKalb Officer, was nearly killed in the line of duty. Tell me that wasn't someone trying to make numbers? He was heartless to his own kind.
To Anony 4:40, In order to have an effective strike, you got to be prepared for the consequences, if they move you to a different watch cool...do the samething on that watch NO TICKETS...stop the car and give a warning, Major at East Precinct will just move you to another watch does it matter? you still going to get the same check, same old car, same old calls...Make a difference, you can't get written up for it, just counseled. I hope this answers your question.
Know what can CID do to make a difference?
When I started with this department in 2003, I thought I would retire from this place. I used to be proud to say that I work for the Dekalb County Police Department. Now all of that has changed. Goodbye Dekalb County! It's been nice but I have mouths to feed!
Since I have chosen to appear at the BOC meetings when I can and stand with those who speak at the podium on my behalf, I encourage the rest of you to do the same. These issues are important to me as they are for you. Just appear and stand there in uniform. You are speaking without having to speak. If we pack those meetings to standing room only, they will get some sort of message because they will see all of us standing united behind someone speaking for us. Like Jeff or some of the other citizens. Open comments usually start around 9:45 after they get done slapping each other on the back so you don't necessarily have to be there right at 9:00. Supervisors, let at least one of your troops attend. Rotate them there every two weeks. Chief O'Brien has given his blessing that it is okay and encourages all of us who can and will to attend.
Just come there, stand there, fold your arms across your chest, and glare a hole right through them. I hope to start seeing more of you there.
Chief O, I like you but I'm afraid that the troops are right on this one.
No more tickets. Despite the "ticket slow down being counterproductive message" that the sergeants read in roll call, I'm on board. Nothing but warnings and arrests going forward .
Time to stand up for me, my family and my fellow officers.
If we don't take a stand now, what reason is there to stop the BOC from taking away our promised pension.....what am I to do when I turn 60.....work as a greeter......damn, with my injuries over the years, I'm not sure I'll be in any condition to continue working. I camw to Dekalb and made life decisions on a promise.....I'm too old to start over.
With the broken bodies, smashed vehicles, the dead and general mayhem I see on the streets of Dekalb, I thought I'd seen it all.....what I see now brings tears and sorrow.....I sacrifice my private sector, high paying career for security in retirment and a chance to answer a calling to service.....the BOC had turned its back on the officers of DKPD....
It is time to make a stand.....
I'm in and so is most of the people on my watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But don't stop there guys we need to show up at these commissioners meetings we need to raise holy hell with these people in a educated intelligent voice. We need media coverage to get the citizens fired up, they are our greatest asset and friends. We need to make them aware that their tax increase was to cover all of the stupidity these people have perpetrated upon the good people of this county, not to fund future police academies or buy new patrol cars, these elected officials need to be held accountable, this county is a freaking mess in most if not all departments!!!!!!!!!!!!
FYI - TRUtv - what used to be court tv - is airing the yancey trial starting tomorrow.
Anon 7:49,
We'll be glad to post statistics that are verifiable.
Thank you for your support.
Well you know what is coming next if this slow down begins showing less revenue. They will make the APPOINTED ONES who have the big money and take home cars make threats to the lower level for more tickets.
Well demote them and they will be the first ones who join our ranks.
This place is going down and I do not think it will ever surface again.
This economy is in bad shape and they only care about putting money in the county budget.
The more money they get, the more they will spend, they are clueless to what a budget is all about.
The school system has the same train of thought. Its only tax payer dollars we are spending.
Everyone needs to watch the BOC meetings and the Board of Education meeting to have an understand on wasteful spending.
Good luck to all who join our ranks.
I would like to take the time to thank the BOC and CEO for running this department into the ground.
You and you alone are the ones responsible for the wraith of these officers. Don't even try and blame the current chief or police management for what is about to transpire. Because of YOUR mismanagement the most important function of your government is in a state of mutiny.
Good luck troops!!!
I want to hear from our command staff and/or Chief O.....
Speaking of the new shirts, has anyone got a refund yet for the shirt alterations???? Or was this another lie by the command staff.
Anon 440 pm
You need to document and purchase a small video / audio recorder. Write dates and times and exactly what is said and who said it. I'm assuming your at east. Suck it up and if you get transferred several times you'll have ammo for a complaint to Decatur or state or even the federal level. I promise, Dekalb only knows lawsuits and it is time.
I feel for all the DeKalb officers and what the boc has done to everyone. I read people saying its time to leave and find another job. The problem isnt only in DeKalb its every where.
It appears that nothing has changed with the officers getting screwed, since I left the department. The scandals and disrespect from the former command staff is gone, but the BOC has made it very clear that they still don't respect the officers that serve the county.
One suggestion on what is being called a ticket strike, DON'T CALL IT A STRIKE! This was a main point in my case when we formed the union and the county used the word strike, which we never used and that is why they won. Also, it is illegal for any public safety employee to engage in any form of a strike. Use what you already have, which is the county policy that states that the officer will issue a warning instead of a long form ticket when conducting a traffic stop, unless the traffic offense is involving an accident or danger to life.
You will always have problems with getting organized, because everyone is so afraid that they will lose their job or nice position. All officers need to realize that they can't touch everyone and if all of the officers stand strong it will show the BOC that their is a serious issue within the department. Right now they are not taking you seriously, because it is just a few that is standing up and not the majority.
Good luck in your efforts
Quit your bitchen! All of these reductions in benefits are happening in the private sector also. I work at a non-profit hospital and every year we get screwed on benefits. Suck it up and be glad you have a job.
You will be threatened and probably written up, but it will be just a DOC because you can't appeal that and there is no Merit/HR review. If you get transferred, stay the course because they can't transfer everyone. Don't be a punk and be all scared...they can't do anything to you. I was told that when Chief O came to South, he was begging for long copies because the BOC was putting the pressure on him. He seems like a good guy but in this, he is on his own. Warning tickets show that you are making the stops and checking out the occupants. So it doesn't generate any money...GOOD! I heard that same crap about East too. Its too bad that the officers there are scared of the major because this can work. It did last time, regardless of what the BOC said. We just didn't keep it up. We got suckered by the hollow promises of take home cars and other trinkets. Stay the course. Enough is enough.
Anon 7/22 10:19 You say it is happening everywhere? Tell me one dept. where officers are getting screwed over as badly or worse than ours in DeKalb! Wake up..we can sympathize with anyone who is having to put up with crap like us but the priority here is that we are NOT these other officers in other jurisdictions. We are DEKALB and that is what we must continue to focus on. What part of this do you not understand? To you officers on our streets: My neighbors in the Northlake area agree with you totally and support whatever means it may take to make these idiots at the Board of Crooks sit up and take notice. I can tell you of approx. 25 out my my little neighborhood who are with y'all all the way. P S: I personally have spoken on behalf of the officers on more than one occasion at the BOC meetings & will cont.to do so -- phone calls & letters as well. Just another ex- P S employee who feels your pain and frustration.
Remember, some tickets can be made warrants instead....No Driver's License, Suspended License, Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, etc....
Malik Douglas you are an IDIOT, but thanks for your two cents. Now guys I hope you see ROCK ON OB is just a figure head like the rest of them. In two years he can leave with a nice FAT RETIREMENT CHECK. We have lost a lot under this group and nothing is being done only LIP ACTION. Now we need to stand together as Police Officers and not let the non-law abiding citizens know what we are doing, they will cause us even more problems. Guys get some Warning Tickets and start passing them out like hot cakes. They count as PRODUCTIVITY. Be safe and let’s stick together.
I'm not writing anyone up for writing warning tickets, it's up to the individual officer what he issues a citizen. As long as you are making stops I'm fine, bring in a hundred warning tickets they can't say a damn thing, make sure you lock some asses up to. I'm tired of being shitted on and having to sell it to the troops as gold. It makes us look bad because we are lying to our officers and I will not do that anymore.
Anon 12:01,
God I hate posts like this, ya know why the chief gets a retirement check? Maybe because he put up with 30 years of this crap. The BOC loves posts like yours because then they can blame the chief for the departments problems. He has nothing to do with the current BS that's going on. How bout you try working for those idiots without any type of job protection. Maybe he should quit...yep that will show'em!!
You know what happens when you hold a news conference and say how stupid your bosses are, well you get fired!!
So many on here think YOUR actions will change the BOC/CEO behaviour...NOT!! They will only listen once the citizens get together and vote their stupid butts out of office. No sense in trying to change this place, aint going to happen. You want to change...the only option is to quit. That people is the cold hard truth. You probably don't like it but it is.
Leave this stinking, rotting county if you can. If you can't I feel sorry for you. Soon they'll all wonder what happened and I for one could care less. They can have this shithole...good riddance.
Well look at that ... somethings finally about to get done.
Now is the time to go to the BOC meetings, and voice your concerns.
Also a great time to step up FOP membership.
Hey dumbass anon 4:12
So the private sector is screwing you guys too huh? How many funerals have you been to in the last 10 years where your co-workers were killed in the line of duty. How many times have you kissed your loved ones before you put your uniform on and left for working, thinking in the back of your mind it just may be the last time you see them again.
I know your papercuts can hurt sometime, and you may get a headache every once and a while from long hours at your desk. GET A CLUE!
What? Were you saying something? Look, I don't speak Spanish.
If you don't like it get an education and move into the private sector. No one put a gun to your head forcing you to be a cop.
"I'm all for less tickets too! My son got one speeding home the other day because his father, a DeKalb Officer, was nearly killed in the line of duty. Tell me that wasn't someone trying to make numbers? He was heartless to his own kind."
As a citizen I say, what kind of asshole would do a thing like that? Personally, I'm a little frightened that there's an officer out there with so little compassion. Grow up. You should be ashamed of yourself. Tell him to slow down and issue a warning perhaps.
This is "T-Bo"!!!! And when I come back! No More Mister Nice Guy!
To Anon 4:34
You must think your education and private sector job give you the right to criticize. Do you know that many cops have degrees? Probably not or you wouldn't have made your "high and mighty" comment. We become cops to serve and protect our communities. We don't do it for the money or we wouldn't be here. BUT we do not deserve to have pay taken away year after year. Get a clue before you open your mouth. You might love your cushy private sector job, but when you have an emergency, you'll be calling us (the uneducated ones).
Damn guys, I am only gone a week and you have gone on another ticket strike.
Oooh-rah!
Going through the news I notice officer LaCoste has been transferred to rehab. That is the best news I have heard of all week and wish him and his family well in his struggle to recover.
Now I get to play devils advocate. I am probably not going to be popular but I think y'all might want to consider the repercussions of a ticket strike.
From what I have read, y'all are upset over the new furloughs and the new policy of requiring annual/sick leave match the hours absent from your 10 hour shifts.
We all knew the furloughs were coming and now HR has taken away one of the few "freebies" given to long-shift employees. Ethically the new leave policy is sound. If you work a long shift and take the day off, you should honestly deduct the entire shift hours from your annual leave.
Now consider this, at present no consensus has been reached on the proposed retirement contribution changes, I believe we made a pretty good case to Commissioner Boyer and her staff of the dangers of losing the best and smartest employees if the pension contribution changes are enacted. Commissioner Boyer and staff did agree that the employee salaries are substandard but with the huge revenue deficit something had to give, and the employee contribution changes were an option they felt worth exploring.
Instead four commissioners probably committed political suicide by voting to raise the county government property taxes a whopping 26 percent.
If the ticket strike reduces county revenue by say 20 million dollars, the commissioners are going to have to make adjustments to the budget, the employees might find that the pension contribution adjustments on the table again.
Have no doubt that a new and cheaper pension plan will be rolled out for the new employees, its just a matter of time.
As it appears the ticket strike is a go, then y'all need to publicly explain why the ticket slow-down is being implemented and what your goals are.
The very best of luck, guys!
KenC
Something that has not been mentioned is the fact that since we (10 hour employees) went to 10 hour shifts there have been issues that have never been addressed. There are still 8 hour workers in PD. So if an 8 hour and a 10 hour worker are both suspended for 1 day the 10 hour emp gets hit for 2 more hours than the 8 hour employee.
Actually most people in my private sector community have no need for police services. They are capable of defending themselves but will gladly call you to do the report after the fact if it makes you feel better. We will need to proof read that report however judging from some of your grammar skills.
Ken is right. It is us who will pay in the end. The BOC will not spend sleepless nights because we choose not to write tickets. They will adjust our contributions to make up for the shortfall. Think about it. It is called shooting yourself in the foot.
Oh dear God, Ron and Clarke are back
you should all be fired you do not deserve to wear a badge if you dont like it quit people no longer have the respect for police because of "officers"like you.Your job is important and you are acting like brat children and are undeserving of any respect at all.
Dekalb County is a Joke all the way around! William O' Brien, Thomas Brown and all of the ignorant ass people don't have there employees is mind. It's all about self gratification and self promotion! I think we need to go on strike! Send them a damn message and let them know that we are tired of this foolishness on all levels! Thomas Brown Mess Just hasn't caught up with him but watch those guys at the sheriff's dept will be in an uproar "IF" they have the balls to do so!! HE has them so scared it's ridiculous and I agree those 3000's and up are really the ones we have to worry about!!!
Just to let you all know, there are Feds who are standing behind you. Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Be strong!!
Loflyer, I never thought I would say this, but what the f*ck are you talking about? How is the new holiday policy fair in any way? If my work day is 10 hours, the holiday time I accumulate should be 10 hours. I didn't get to spend 10 hours with my family on that holiday, it's only fair that I be given 10 hours at a future date spend with my family.
You've really disappointed me with that stupid post. You really think it's fair for the county to give someone who worked 10 hours only 8 hours of credit that they can use at a future date? That's a bunch of b*llsh*t! It's seems like the idiots in Decatur are bound and determined to find news way to f*ck over police officers as much as they can. How does this affect the commissioners spoiled, worthless employees? It doesn't. How does it affect Ellis' little secretary, who got a 30% raise when the PD hasn't seen one in 4 years?? It doesn't! This serves one purpose only: f*ck of police and fire!
Go head in love.
Hey guys, as a former P.O. in Miami of 18years I can not remember a day when I did not want to put on that uniform and chase down a 29(robbery subject)..i.e. real crime. The citizens deserve this slow down of tickets and an increase on catching the "Real Bad" guys..(Proverbs26:3). God has mercy and so should we. Now I'm making real money investing in currrencies and options. My email is on gmail...Benblackstone7. No SCAM either. To those who want to follow I'll show you how to open a practice account and give you trade examples. Thank God before and after your shift and stay safe. Peace
well, your government is not supposed to be a business. I don't like the fact this is a sort of "profit" for the government. I'm talking about minor things, though, like giving a ticket for something stupid. We have families too, the government should not be stuffing their pockets by using the people for your ticket traps.
Hey private sector desk jockies, try this out, the next time you need help and pick up the phone to call 911... Call a crackhead instead and see how well that works for you! How can anyone seriously not want to help those who help us all? PS the only workforce truly available 24/7/365 who are willing to risk their lives to protect yours!
Rookies writing tickets wont make a dent if everyone else is in. You guys rock. Make it do what it do.
Be Safe Brothers and Sisters. You got my support and prayers.
I think it is important to understand, that the term "ticket slow down" is not a very good term. We need to continue to conduct traffic stops and see what we can get out of them. When all we are left with is a minor traffic violation, it is important that we explain to the supervisors that you are within DeKalb County Policy regulations when it comes to enforcing traffic violations. The long copies have to significantly drop, while the warning have to significantly increase. No supervisor (including Major *******) can say that there is a decline in production.
Times are tough, why should we burden the citizens in writing more tickets to them because our board of shitheads cant manage money?
Utilize good discretion, issue warnings!!! This includes East Precinct!! get the F*ck on board, or you will be called out. Open records will allow us copies of citations with the drivers information blanked out. I assure you a digital image of your bullshit citation, along with your stats will be public record, so the general public can see just what kinds of tickets you guys are writing and how big of dicks your being to these people.
There are other metro agencies in the same boat that should follow your lead as well...there are many officers with agencies that still have prehistoric starting salaries with no incentive for experience, education, etc. These same agencies have not given their officers a raise since 2007, gave them more time off without pay (furlough). A new officer is paid the same as an Officer with 10 years in the department...increases for promotiion are dismal...you acquire an enormous amount of responsibility for $1,000.00 dollars more a year...now that's a bad situation...hit them where it hurts!!!
The point is that we're not going to attempt to make up for a shortfall of money on the backs of citizens. Using traffic citations to make up for the lost money is basically putting a band aid over a gunshot wound. We could write everyone in this county twenty tickets, and by the time they got to recorders court (if they didn't get lost, thrown out, etc) the money that would be gained would not be anything approaching a dent in the budget gap. Why do we want to do this? So we can prove, again, that we will not go out and get money for a corrupt body that will only misuse and waste it. They keep screaming for more more more out of us, but we keep getting less in return. What is the point in killing yourself for diminishing returns? No raise, furloughs, taking away holiday time, doubled pension contributions, all of these things have been the direct result of fiscal mismanagement. Of this keeps up this place might as well become a volunteer department...I look at the money I was bringing home several years ago fresh out of the academy, and I'm almost back to that amount after two promotional raises on paper...I've never worked anywhere else where you make less money after being there for a longer period of time. Burrell Ellis came into Tucker's roll call last year duirng the first ticket furlough and said that we had "made our voices heard". Hopefully doing it again will let them remember us.
You are paid to do a job. Every one of you should be fired and replaced.
Once again a sense of entitlement rears its ugly head, and officers are going to utilize their positions to shake down the citizens.
You guys and gals are a disgrace to Dekalb, and to the United States in general.
The highest crime rate in the state, you are all worried about self enrichment on the backs of others.
I'm incredibly happy that you idiots get to suffer. Maybe it'll remind you of how you treat the general public.
This is what Wizo said to the AJC:
“It is my belief that statements expressed on an unofficial law enforcement blog are those of a small group of individuals that do not represent the views or actions of the majority of the dedicated and hard working men and women of our department," said O'Brien.
Small group? He is so funny! Wait until the revenue drops like the proverbial "turd in a punch bowl"!
I love it... It takes the BOC to cause you to stop bilking citizens and go after real criminals. No wonder DeKalb is such a shitty county.
Sweet no tickets. I know where i am going to drag race my bike.
There patrol officers. they should be riding biznes and subdivisions. not worried bout tickets. traffic and heat do tickets. as a taxpayer i want a patrol car riding my sub nit meeting a quota or writing tickets. catch a burglar not a speeder
Hey anon 843 pm
Don't make any right turns on red in my district...Entitlement?!!....Wait till one of these perps comes into your neighborhood and brings chaos to your front door. What are you gonna do? Who are you gonna call? Ghostbusters? Throw your penny loafers at em? ...you are a jerk
Sincerely,
Anon 1118
If you have read the newspaper lately, (Mr. Private Sector) crime is everywhere. There are people carjacked in broad daylight. Innocent people are being shot just for being at a restaurant, skating rink, or walking down the street. I'm glad you can defend yourself from one of those armed perps. You will not need us, therefore why are you reading our blog? Insult my grammer, if that's all you got, go for it.
I love all these comments that "we are paid to do a job" and "we should all be fired". Guess what, there is noone of quality to replace us. All of you that think we should be fired, please go to the Dekalb County website and click on job application. What you don't realize is that we're not asking for a raise. We're asking that no more be taken away from us. We now make less than we did 10 yrs. ago. Can you say that? The fact is that none of you would be willing to put your life on the line. Is your company furloughing you? Increasing your pension? Messing with your vacation time? We all know we are in a recession, but there's only so much you can take from an employee.
Some of you guys wanted to know what the command staff and Chief O’Brien had to say on the matter. His quotes can be read in the AJC. So now you know.
Some idiot actually had the nerve to use the terms, “self enrichment” and “sense of entitlement” to describe the police officers. I assume this post is from a civilian and I know he took the time to comment on something to which he is completely clueless. I bet he watches plenty of cop shows on T.V. and believes he has it all figured out.
The vast majority of civilians I have spoken to on the topic over the last few years and there have been many, say the same basic thing. DeKalb County government is run by a bunch of incompetent idiots! I reason then that it is not just a matter of DeKalb County police officers bitching about nothing. Most people in this county agree with us for the most part.
You can think what you want but the fact is that most DeKalb County officers are hard working dedicated people who do a nasty stressful job. I hate that officers are talking about a ticket slow down but I certainly understand why.
Anon 6:20:
When was the last time the BOC or CEO enacted policy that was "fair" to the rank 'n file employees? If anyone can remember a single instance in the last decade please publish.
DeKalb Governments major malfunction is the CEO/Commissioner form of government does not work and never will.
Combined with a dysfunctional board of commissioners that collectively have done nothing but make matters worse financially and operationally for DeKalb government.
The GSU study was clear in its report of what the major problems were with DeKalb government; Bloated management and staff, low pay, obsolete, redundant and ineffective departments, the GSU study made it obvious that DeKalb government needed to be reorganized and downsized to meet the financial reality of the present economy.
I have never seen a study initiated by the BOC buried so rapidly and without comment. It was like the GSU study had announced "the emperor wears no clothes!".
For those of you unfamiliar with the GSU study, it was initiated by Commissioner Lee Mays in late 2009.
The original report is unavailable online, the best link I can find is an AJC story at:
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/too-much-staff-in-512225.html
Amazingly during my research I discovered that Commissioner Rader had written his comments on the study and recognized that the county employee and management base was bloated but said nothing about the reorganizing the county:
http://www.commissionerrader.com/reader-rader-updates/items/staffing-study-cites-inefficiencies-in-county-government.html
I urge all DeKalb citizens reading this to research the issue of the bloated and dysfunctional DeKalb county government that lead to your 26 percent property tax increase.
Do something about it.
Ken Choate
Ken has my vote for CEO of DeKalb County!!! DeKalb citizens must go into their own communities and find leaders that care enough to serve their constituents and not themselves or their egos for that matter. Time has come!
Dude I'm sooo looking forward to this...now I can out shine all you putz's by getting my stats up for the year. This makes it easier for officer's like myself who believe in doing the job I was hired to do. I know it may get tough but it's the career path I chose and I love it. Let me just say all the peer pressure in the world will not deter me from citing an ass so that I can look good to my Lt., Capt, Major & my Chief....so step aside you pansy asses so the real police can do the job...
As a member of the public I just wanted to say that there are a lot of us behind you. Good luck. Standing together you will win.
You guys do what yall have to do. I'm over here in G.C. watching and taking notes.
most comments spoken like true union thugs who think they should get more for doing less and not fulfilling their contracts to their employers - the citizens, until they get their way - in the private sector, if you don't do your job that you're paid for, you get fired! Do your jobs and then work to make changes the RIGHT way - vote the bums out!
Great go on a ticket slowdown. This will allow the county clerk department to collect money from outstanding tickets which have not been paid in over 10-20 years. I am tired of paying my frivolous tickets (ie. tickets which have not caused any harm to anyone or any private property) on time.
Anon 8:18
It seems impossible to write a paragraph consisting of three sentences and be wrong that many times. But you managed to pull it off.
There are millions of Americans who work in the PRIVATE sector and are members of unions. The DeKalb County Police Department is not part of a union of any type and NEVER has been. YOU are wrong!
The job that we get paid for encompasses much more than writing traffic tickets. You think it is the bulk of our job because you see the flashing blue lights on the side of I285 and that is all you know about it. Modern police work in a large metropolitan police department is a very complicated business. You obviously don’t understand this but traffic tickets comprise no more than 10% of our job. YOU are wrong again!
I have worked in the private sector and I have been a police officer for more than 10 years. Police work is much more difficult and stressful. The fact is that you can get fired from the DeKalb County Police Department much quicker than almost any private sector job. YOU are wrong again!
To the BLOGMASTER,
Please continue to post the comments that are obviously coming from civilians. Some, like Anon 8:18 have no idea what they are talking about, some are supportive and some are in between. Either way I think we need to read them.
JOE FRIDAY=OBVIOUS ROOKIE,and if you have been here for less than 5 years you're still a rookie, so dont try to throw up a defense "Joe". "So step aside you pansy asses so the real police can do the job".....so real Police Officers write tickets and look good for brass? Wow you are a fine example of one of the ignorant pieces of shit that work for DKPD.
Okay, I'm going to go against the grain here and make a suggestion. What you're doing will get the attention of the commission, for sure, but what good will that do? They'll just go right on taking and taking, and start using the excuse that officers aren't carrying their weight, so the cuts are justified.
On the other hand, if y'all went the opposite direction, and WROTE EVERY SINGLE VIOLATION YOU CAME ACROSS, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS, you'd get the attention of the people who put them in office.
Just write the ticket, apologize, and explain to the angry motorist/jaywalker/cyclist/whateverthat you're sorry, but since the commissioners have been unable to meet even the most basic needs of your department, you and your fellow officers have no choice other than to help them raise as much money as possible, which is why everyone is getting a ticket. If they don't like it, perhaps they should call their commissioner and discuss it?
Until you get the voters attention, this is probably going to be futile.
To ANON 8:18
How do you suggest we do it the right way? In the private sector, you get paid for doing your job. In Dekalb you don't get paid for doing your job. Last year we weren't paid for holidays (even if we worked). Has that happened to you? We are now being told that we will be paid 8 hrs for working a holiday when we actually put in 10 hr shifts. Have you ever worked and NOT gotten paid? Probably not. Give me the right way, please!
I am sure that the CEO and DeKalb Board of Commissioners have ripened the fruit of discord among the Citizens of DeKalb with this Tax Increase of 26 percent hitting Central and North DeKalb very hard.
Perhaps Commissioners Sutton and Gannon will find Quality Opposition as they seek re-election - Please Dear God Let Someone Step Up To The Plate !
I think the News Coverage of Your "actions" have been fair ! Fair as you are gonna get.
At the City of Atlanta Council meeting on Monday,July 18th I spoke during Comments from the Public. I gave out Governor Nathan Deal's Phone Number 404-656-1776. I suggested that Every City of Atlanta Police Officer, Every Fulton County Deputy Sheriff and Every DeKalb County Police Officer and Sheriff call The Governor and COMPLAIN of The Fulton County and DeKalb County Courthouses turning CRIMINALS LOOSE just as fast as you officers can lock them up. AND THEY ARE KILLING POLICE OFFICERS AND RUNNING DOWN POLICE OFFICERS and other citizens all over this State.
Each of you call The Governors Office and complain ! 404-656-1776 Keep his phone busy and you will get something done.
A lot of people have their eye on this large vat of boiling PI$$ called DeKalb County Government !
Other Employees and Citizens will be looking to see IF YOU ARE AT THE DEKALB BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS - I know many of you work extra jobs and your attendance is not easy but IT IS A MUST.
I Support Your Actions !
BE STRONG AND BE SAFE !
Sincerely, Jerry Myer Jackson Jr.
Sgt. ROCK sez...Bring me ten long copies a day or ELSE!!!!
If you work Mr. Jackson's beat, that man better have your personal cell phone number!! God Bless You, Mr. Jackson! Thanks for your continued support!!
"The Roycroft Report" blog supports the DeKalb County Police Department.
To: Anon 11:54 PM
After a search, I couldn't find a Ken Choat living in DeKalb. He would have to live in the county in order to run for CEO.
I could not find a Ken Choate living in the county. Why is he stirring the pot when he doesn't have any impact on the bottom line of DeKalb County?
What's you're angle Ken or is Ken Choate really your name?
Guys, I don't live in DeKalb County and haven't for about 15 years. I live in Newton County, about 5 miles from Porterdale.
I had seen too much in DeKalb government and my instinct and thoughts lead me to believe that DeKalb county government was going the route of City of Atlanta and Fulton county with the single party domination of DeKalb government and its racial politics.
I have been quiet happy in Newton county, its quiet. I don't have the overlapping, multiple gunshots waking me up and listening to hear if anything hit the house, I don't have ass-hat neighbors throwing beer bottles and trash in my yard, I don't have surly kids refusing to move out of the way so I can drive into my driveway. I don't fear being burglarized or being robbed on my property as I did in DeKalb. Crime has increased in Newton County over the years, but compared to DeKalb County, I feel about 80 percent safer and I don't get the dirty looks I got in too many parts of DeKalb. When your not appreciated, its time to leave.
I just wanted to be the 100th post on this comment. So I say strike baby strike.
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