I was outraged after reading the Sept. 19 front page article titled “Deputies rebel against budget proposal.” I do not understand the reasons for county budget belt tightening when it concerns the law enforcement agency. This is not acceptable. As crime continues or escalates, we should be funding the sheriff’s department even more. Should the $2 million in overtime costs in 1999 have been used to hire more full-time deputies?
In perspective, we underpay these deputies considering what they do and what we expect from them. I would suggest County Executive Bob Drewel and the budget officials revisit their budget and fund this agency as it should be. I will go further to say that no law enforcement patrol should be a single individual, rather two persons on every patrol. Law enforcement is called upon to save lives, protect lives and maintain some sense of order and safety in this wacky world. Should this service be cut back? I would welcome a tax increase or levy or any other means necessary to fund and staff the law enforcement agency to a level we as citizens expect. What would it cost, probably less per person each year then we spend at “Burger World” in any given month.
Perhaps Mr. Drewel and the budget staff should ride deputy patrol alone for a week. That should provide a realistic perspective on the subject of law enforcement and its funding.
Stanwood
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