Saturday, September 17, 2011

Open Comments

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

What's the point when you deleted the last "open comments " and what method do you use when deciding what comments to post ?

Anonymous said...

I agree with the 1st post.

Anonymous said...

A plea for open two-way communications between the CEO, BOC and the rank n' file employees. While I have no idea if a commissioner or the CEO reads this blog, I do know that many of their staff do, if only to head off trouble when some of the folks on the DOS blog publish unpleasant facts that is uncomfortable for their bosses.
The DOS blog has gotten the reputation as a bitch-blog. I certainly have generated more than my fair share of bitches and have been dead-wrong on several issues but for the most part I know what I am talking about, I have made an effort to make my posts shorter and more concise with better editing, but in some cases the issues deserve more than three paragraphs of my opinionated opinions.
What I have noted is that at least one commissioner, Elaine Boyer and most of the pension board reps actually encourage discussion with the employees on the issues.
Unfortunately that is not the case with the CEO and most of the commissioners, they talk a good game, but when it comes to actively discussing the issues with the employees such as low salaries, the failure of the CEO and BOC to follow their own salary policies, the gutting of the DeKalb pension system, and increased employee pension and insurance contributions, actions speak louder than words. The CEO and BOC collectively prefer their method of communicating by issuing employee policy that they have no intention of following themselves.
DeKalb government has a leadership crises. The political leadership is so wrapped up in their political ideologies, getting reelected and their ego's to perform their jobs as leaders. DeKalb government should have been downsized and reorganized two years ago. Instead the leaders elected to provide the insane early-out incentive plan, some highly questionable and somewhat illegal "unpaid holidays", employee furloughs and a host of policy restrictions on salaries and benefits.
The worst failure of DeKalb Leadership is failing to honestly and openly communicate with DeKalb governments largest internal asset, the employees for the last decade.
Covering the employees in manure and keeping them in the dark only grows mushrooms. It does not produce motivated employees and good government.

Best of luck, guys!
KenC

CLARK GRISWOLD said...

This isn't Walley World kids, it's a country!!

Anonymous said...

The AJC reported on Thursday that the County bond rating had been raised. This means that the $438 million of sewer repair bonds soon to be issued, another $700 or $800 million to go, will cost the County water users less money to finance.

Many in DeKalb County must be rubbing their hands with glee. $438 million of money floating around.
The CEO's bud Keith Ross probably will set up some sort of a consulting company and Dr.Kung'u will get a few contracts. Maybe, somehow or other,Vernon will even make a few bucks.

If past practices hold,, there will be no supervision on how the money is spent. If the CEO and BOC members cannot employ every friend and relative and pay off every political debt from this and build up a few markers for future use, they are more incompetent than I thought.

It is a shame that the County does not have a DA with a watchful eye.

Anonymous said...

Its unfortunately, but sometimes the blogmaster is biased. Also, it is his blog !!

Anonymous said...

LoFlyer - it's obvious you have a great deal of compassion, respect, and concern for law enforcement, and I'm with you on that.
But although your commentary is often lengthy, it's not the length that's the problem, it's the content. You often express opinions as fact, and as a result, you have created anger and resentment where none is warranted because your facts are incomplete or even inaccurate as you yourself have claimed (which is admirable, and takes courage). But what do people pay more atention to - the original statement, or the retraction?
Dekalb county has issues to be sure, but please work on doing your due diligence before you make claims that cannot be substantiated. Spend more time gathering facts, and don't be responsible for spreading rumors.

Anonymous said...

Fact. Dekalb County sucks. The only fact you need. If you can leave...

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:52, well said and thanks for the comment, I try to stay out of the police-centric threads, y'all know your jobs and the problems with DKPD a lot better than I do.
I am biased and opinionated, that's been a personality trait for some years, and one of the reasons why I know a lot about county operations, because I would talk to everyone from the sanitation laborers on up to the commissioners and CEO, at least until CEO Ellis banned me from his office spaces.
I don't claim to know it all, and will make an effort to distinguish my opinions as to the facts.
Many thanks for the critique.
None of us has journalism degrees and a professional editor.
This blog has been "winging it" for years, and been fairly successful at it.
DeKalb's politics and the failure of Atlanta media to properly cover issues surrounding DeKalb government has created an information vacuum that the DOS blog strives to fill.
My goal is to make DeKalb county a great place to live and work. The DOS blog is the only game in town.
My opinionated opinion,
Best of luck, guys!
KenC

Anonymous said...

You guys complain and complain, I bet these folks wish they had a job to complain about. http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/09/trenton_police_layoff_plan_to.html

Anonymous said...

Has there ever been a successful venture when the "DEMOCRATS" have majority rule? Answer: NO

Anonymous said...

Is it true that every line Officer is getting issued a $3,500 toughbook laptop? I heard someone saying that the chief came to a roll call telling the troops this? Can anyone in upper management confirm? If so the county can keep mine cause I would rather take the $3,500 on my paycheck. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Yea what the Fu$$ do we need a lap top for??? We dont have enough cars to put a lap top in. Give me the money in my check too!!!! This is another attempt to pasify everyone before we get screwed once again with an insurance increase and a pension increase.

Anonymous said...

LAP TOP ?¿ Im still waiting on my reimbursment check for the alterations I had to make on the patches of my black shirts. Has anyone received a check, or do I need to file a civil suit.

Anonymous said...

Yes, we are getting laptops, I think they were payed for with seized funds. I have no idea of why though.

Anonymous said...

Keep these Demmocratic Socialist idiots away from our pension. They RUIN every damn thing they put their grubby hands on. Socialism is a proven failure around the world but OUR idiot politicians here and nationally are wanting to try it out.Check out how well socialism is working out in Europe. They are learning their lession and we are going in reverse.

Anonymous said...

Another example of chiefs making decisions without getting feedback from the line officers. I have not found one officer who wants the added responsibility of a take home lap top. If county policy prohibits you from downloading your own personal files onto the computer, then what's the purpose of assigning me one? Just another piece of equipment I have to worry about someone stealing. I live in Dekalb!

Anonymous said...

What's the point of issuing laptops? It's just another antiquated piece of equipment to keep up with, be responsible for, and have issues of responsibility with when it goes down. Are we going to be expected to write reports when we are off? IDIOTS... Issue vehicles like normal police departments, not this silliness. Typical Dekalb

Anonymous said...

The lap top idea is about as stupid as you can get. Maybe use seized funds to buy something we could use like cars! What was the shakeup at DEMA that I heard rumor of? Watch how the spending will start when they get that bond money flowing in. We might even get paid for Christmas! What is the word on the half day units, I think I might be missing out on something. Special detail in four hours then go home, sounds great!

Anonymous said...

Since I've left Dekalb I was assigned a computer and a car....i have a car partner and a computer partner, the days I don't work he uses the car and the computer. What a brilliant idea, less computers go down for service, we acctually take care of our cars, and our computer. Dekalb sucks and will continue to do so....get off the teet and get a pair leave that hole!!

Anonymous said...

Hey 7:58, Go play with your partner!

Anonymous said...

Speaking of partners isn't it about time someone realized DKPD units should all be 2 man units? Look at all the recent officer involved shootings, a lot could have been prevented with 2 officers. Having screening eliminates the need for the one officer report taker. Get with the times Dekalb and be smart in protecting your officers and citizens alike. If not for their sake, do it for your own liability issues.

Anonymous said...

Right now the county has a lot of issues and anyone who works here knows that. For the comment anonymous 9/18/11 7:52 I couldn't get ya link to come up but I'm sure it is bad if trenton pd is laying off, and if so my heart goes out to them. But just like them our officers lifes are on the line as well. Houses possibly on the line, children not getting the best, and still dealing with perps that just say F the police. So yea we have a right to complain, b$+&*and gripe.

On a note to my brothers and sisters out here we need to come together and stick together on all that is being done to us. Yes I know its hard to deal wit, take time from your families to attend these meetings but this is the only way we will be heard. Especially the officers that live in the county your voice is very important. You are a TAX PAYING CITIZEN!!!!! As much as the BOC and CEO stick together we should do the same. No raises in 5+ years, insurance goin up, pension going up which they are trying to take. But they live nice and worry free because they know they control everyone under them due to maybe officers need the job, scared to lose the job, and some are ok with getting there check. We put our lives on the line everyday we never know what will happen, but we continue to take the abuse of the BOC and CEO. We have to speak up and stick together or it will never get betta. Be safe out there

Anonymous said...

Just who is supposed to make decisions? Are you kidding me rookie.

Anonymous said...

Clemency denied for Troy Davis!

Anonymous said...

Two man units.... not on a daily basis but, that's already at our precinct by virtue of there aren't enough patrol cars....things are REALLY bad when ICP or the NET team are working.

The other day, a civilian asked me what kind of take hone I had...... I told him that we don't have them and are "hot seating" units to get officers out... he was shocked when told that e sometimes have to double up because we don't have enough units.

But hey.... soon we'll have take home laptops that we'll have to worry about. BTW... Whatever happened to that rumor of take home cars that we heard in January .

Anonymous said...

How can we get anything accomplished when we, us me, you are always dogging each other out. There's veteran vs rookie, officers vs command, young vs old, republican vs democrat, male vs female, smart vs stupid and the 500 pound gorilla that drives this blog, white vs black. It's sad to think that your "brother in blue" is posting negative remarks based solely off of race. We can't even get behind our chief, who came up through the ranks. How do you think that looks to the BOC? Whether you agree with the chief or not, we must always show we are united. Yes, there are exceptions, such as our last chief but if you REALLY want to see change let's stop with the personal attacks especially against other officers. I imagine it's very hard to be a chief when your very own peers, and subordinates are attacking every thing you do. Lastly, to the poster who stated the chief ordered laptops without checking with the officers, please realize you are a police officer and he's the chief. That's one of the problems we have created in that officers are questioning the chief when we have no idea what it takes to be chief. I'm sure even this post will get somebody out there upset but it needs to be said. I will go to battle with any officer, no matter color, gender, age, etc, as long as you have heart. It's amazing how the tough economy has caused so many to turn against each other, even the ones we sit next to in roll call each day. Too many have died for us to act this way. Let's get back to the basics of helping those who need us and putting those in check who are going through the motions. We have tried all the negative tactics, and they havn't worked.

Anonymous said...

HIre quality officers and THEY can make their own decisions and not depend on the current inept "leaders" that are clearly only interested in their own careers.

Anonymous said...

Since when does a DA drop felony charges after a conclusive multiple man hour investigation at the whim of a "PREACHER"?

Anonymous said...

Why are East supervisors telling officers that they cant wear their ball caps inside the precinct? I guess none of these supervisors are familiar with military protocol that allows you to wear a hat inside if you are wearing a sidearm. Geez!

Anonymous said...

A recent ruling for agencies (of which Dekalb is unaware as usual) that allow lateral transfers out of Uniform to CID, etc. without an increase in salary have sided with slain and injured officers and their representative families. As we all know the vast majority of officer deaths and injuries stem from duties in uniform divisions. Results of suits from these incidents have indicated lack of "sharing the risk" if you will and consequently ruled punitively against agencies with such practices. In other words if you share the same qualifications as other detectives but are forced to stay in a higher risk position despite transfer requests with no monetary increase prepare to sue if injured or killed due to mismanagement.

Anonymous said...

We can only hope the blogmaster deletes Anon 9:53's comment.

Come on man, is that all you have to bitch about?

Anonymous said...

A news story breaks about DeKalb employees getting the shaft and everyone forgets about it by the next day. Let's put our money where it counts. Some well placed billboards, like at the county line on the interstates. A brief synopsis to the drivers about what is happening to the police and then end it with "Good luck and God's speed passing through".

Anonymous said...

The whole point of this blog is to allow EVERYONE a voice.

Anonymous said...

As far as the billboards go thats a good idea.

"Welcome to Dekalb County, home of high violent crime, horrible schools, and some of the lowest paid police officers in the country"

Anonymous said...

An FOP/PBA sponsored billboard .... a joint effort by two organizations speaking up as a single voice. I'm all for it!

A sign that also talks about the loss of experienced officers who know the area, the residents and perps....being replaced by inexperienced rookies just out of the academy ...etc

Anonymous said...

F.O.P. doesn't have the balls.

Anonymous said...

We can can rent the Wiz for CEO billboards after he loses. Let me hit the lottery and I will pay for them myself! If Wiz runs for CEO and loses maybe Ellis can appoint him the Director of the CEO position. That would officially give him more Directors titles than responsibilities.

Anonymous said...

Billboards are an excellent idea, I would chip in $100.OO for something like that. A message that is in the BOCs face everyday, for their constituents and business leaders to see. It wouldn't be critizing the county if you put only the facts in. Just exercising first amendment rights.

Anonymous said...

How bout it Wiggs, are you up for billboards? Seems like an excellent idea. To make it worth your while, say it will cost $80,000. So everyone pays $80.00 a piece, plus $5.00 for your time and effort to get it done. That fee for your time could buy much needed items for the lodge, etc.
When the county was fat with cash, they hosed us. No pay increases, nothing. They claim they are short, yet they have catered lunches and give pay raises to their staff.
A bill board isn't short lived, like a news story.

Also willing to kick in a $100 said...

Message placement ....location, location, location ......

I-285 near headquarters

Susan Curtis said...

If you are serious about looking into a billboard, here's a link to rates in GA. I'm not a police officer, and I'm not related to one, but I strongly believe that the public will care IF THEY ARE AWARE of your plight. People just do not pay attention to what's going on the county.

http://www.lamaroutdoor.com/StateRates.aspx?State=GA

Anonymous said...

Interesting article. Sounds like an insider was tired of the internal garbage.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/29256408/detail.html

Anonymous said...

Billboard reads...."now hiring, anyone and everyone who applies, no matter what your criminal record is, you like to beat your wife? your in...you like to do dope? we have that too... Come work in Dekalb where you will fit right in with our residents." The crime rate may be off the chain, but we have new libraries, parks, and our cops do foot patrol, because we don't have enough cars....10-42 for the remainder, Dekalb sucks...get out if you can

Anonymous said...

Anon 3:52, you forgot "Do you walk, talk, and carry yourself like a perp? Are the people inside of the jail going to ask you how you've been instead of shouting insults? Are you unable to write complete sentences?"

Anonymous said...

good point, I have been here nine years and more often than not I see uniformed newer officers talking with the perps inside of the jail talking about, each others families like they have lunch/dinner together once a week. Its f'ed up

Buster Cumalot said...

How the hell does a still new city (Dunwoody) have a 2 million dollar surplus. I think the BOC and CEO need to see how a local government should work. Oh wait, that means they would have to do the right thing not look after their perps oops I mean peeps.

Anonymous said...

Annon 10:05- You must be one of the dumb supervisors telling your officers not to wear their hat. Sorry I struck a nerve. Not BITCHIng, just an observation. Chill out.

Anonymous said...

On Saturday, Sgt. Jim Sheppard (North Pct)and his father were out riding their motorcycles, when his father was struck by a vehicle. Jim's father is in serious condition at the Atlanta Medical Center. You may wish to post this as a blog for all his brothers and sisters can send him some encouragement. His facebook is listed under Jim Sheppard.

Anonymous said...

Have to vent... Always something around here.... why can't they just let us DO OUR F'ing JOBS! Leave me the hell alone! I really love policing but, they've taken the fun out of it.. now its JUST a J O B!

I used to look forward to my Monday's... now I look forward to my Friday's and days that my lieutenants are on vacation.