Efficiency

04/07/22

After seeing agencies in our area acquire a drone to enhance their law enforcement functions, I thought I would rerun a post I made some time ago:

I think we can improve our efficiency in our ability to serve the citizens of Macon County by the implementation of technology in law enforcement. One area I am interested in exploring is the usage of drones as it relates to Law Enforcement. I believe that this is a relatively inexpensive method that will add immensely to the capabilities of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. I have been researching this subject and believe that the addition of at least one drone to the MCSO will enable us to better respond to missing persons, escapees, crash scenes and scenes of natural disasters such as land slides. This technology is extremely useful in the mapping of crime scenes for presentation of cases in court.

There are a number of concerns that citizens typically have when law enforcement uses new technology. One of those is the privacy issue. I can assure every citizen of Macon County that I will protect their constitutional rights to privacy. I do not anticipate there would ever be a situation where a drone would be used for any type of surveillance. Any situation that is even close to being questionable would require a warrant issued by the court.

In our area there are large tracts of land that are difficult at best to access. The utilization of drone technology would take the place of large numbers of officers and civilians. In front can easily do the searching of 10 to 20 searchers.

I will bring this forward thinking to the Office of the Sheriff of Macon County. I am leadership tested and experience proven. It is because of my experience that I can bring fresh ideas to better serve the citizens of Macon County making the Sheriff’s department more responsive, efficient and more professional!

See Insights

Boost post

1515

4 Comments

6 Shares

Comment

03/07/22

Let’s start with a couple of definitions.

re·ac·tive

/rēˈaktiv/

adjective

adjective: reactive

1. showing a response to a stimulus."pupils are reactive to light"�

2. acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it."a proactive rather than a reactive approach"�

3. having a tendency to react chemically."nitrogen dioxide is a highly reactive gas"

pro·ac·tive

/prōˈaktiv/

adjective

adjective: proactive; adjective: pro-active

1. (of a person, policy, or action) creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened."be proactive in identifying and preventing potential problems"

When I started running for office in April 2021, I identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed.

Issue number one: there was a part time second in command at the sheriff’s office. In a reactive response, they announced the retirement of Major Shields and the appointment of Major Layne.

Issues number two: I pointed out there was the lack of a policy for the body worn camera systems. In a reactive response a complete policy was put into place in August 2021.

Although this had been addressed prior to my announcement, and had nothing to do with me, another reactive response came about after an inmate escaped from the courthouse; a sally port was erected to prevent FURTHER escapes.

In the time I have campaigned I have made a number of proactive proposals to prevent negative reactive actions:

- [ ] A proactive proposal to expand patrol coverage to the more rural areas of our county.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to ensure courthouse security. It is only a matter of time before a negative reactive response occurs.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to ensure drug complaints are addressed. For far too long we have been reactive.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to treat inmates with addiction as a medical and mental health issue.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to reorganize our agency to ensure efficiency and responsiveness.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to reduce my pay as the incoming Sheriff by over $35,000.00. This proactive proposal has already been adopted and as a candidate I have already saved the citizens money.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to establish criteria where the Deputies will know when they are eligible for promotion and the processes they will participate in to achieve that goal.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to train leaders from within the Sheriff’s Office to ensure they are ready to take the next step in their careers.

- [ ] A proactive proposal to train our deputies in de-escalation techniques to reduce the possibility of a questionable use of force resulting in unnecessary death or injury.

There are more proactive proposals, but I believe you are starting to get the picture. Take a look at all of the Sheriff’s candidates websites and Facebook pages. Look for their proactive proposals. Then compare them to the proactive proposals I have made. We have had a long history of reaction to situations as they occur. This costs you money as a taxpayer.

Ask yourself this, which type of Sheriff’s Office do you want? I will always strive to be in control of the situation, not responding to it. That is what someone who is leadership tested and experience proven does.

02/26/22

In September 2021, I stood before the county commissioners and requested that a resolution be made to reduce the incoming Sheriff’s pay to the lowest amount on their schedule in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. I argued that an incoming Sheriff should not enjoy the same pay the outgoing Sheriff earned over twenty years of service. As there were county commissioners who were not aware they would have to make a resolution lowering it, I requested they make that resolution. In November, they did exactly that. The top pay for the current Sheriff is $107,810.00 (after 2021 raises). The new pay, should I be elected will be $71,874.00. The difference between the two is $35,936.00. Due to the pay reduction I argued for it will result in a minimum savings to the county of Macon (you) is $143,744.00. (Based on the maximums)

According to the 2019/2020 budget, of which I have a copy, the total pay and benefits for Sheriff Holland was $150,936.14. His salary for 2019 was $105,631.28. Now, let’s deduct the incoming Sheriff’s pay and we get $33,757.28 savings to taxpayers per year. (Just salary). Multiply that by four years and in just salary the savings is $135, 029.12 to the Macon County taxpayers. Still a pretty significant savings to the taxpayers but it hasn’t reached the $160,000.00 that I have mentioned.

The Sheriff’s salary and benefits total of $150,936.14 includes retirement matches, etc (based on 2019/202 budget). Let’s take a look at that retirement match. Each employee is required to contribute 6% of their total salary and wages towards their retirement. The county then donates an amount that is determined by the actuary so, let’s look at where that can come in at. At 6% of his salary in 2019 (before the significant pay raises of 2021) that amount is $6,337.87. Now, if it was at the lower level I was able to successfully argue for, the reduction in my contribution will be $2,025.43. If I am able to reduce my contributions, it stands to reason so does the county.

Next will be medical benefits. I get very good medical insurance from my previous employers, including the U.S. Navy. I will be opting out of that for me and my family. How much is that Worth?

We must look at the maximum because that is what an incoming Sheriff would have eventually made. Take the difference of $35,976 and multiply that times four years and we get $143,744. Then factor in the reduced contributions for retirement and the savings from medical and I believe we in the ballpark of the ESTIMATE I stated.

Now add to that the fact I have publicly stated that I will refuse any pay raises for my tenure as Sheriff; the inability to lock in a specific amount from the retirement actuary and the amount in medical benefits, I believe I am pretty darn close, if not OVER, to the $160,000 I had ESTIMATED. Based on the salaries alone, the total savings to the taxpayers of Macon County is at least $143,744 (based on salary alone) and WILL go much higher when factoring in the pay and benefits.

So pay no attention to those who continue at their attempts to toss water on the fire of our message. I am the only candidate that has made this much of a difference to you, the taxpayers even before I am elected.

02/26/22

Next will be medical benefits. I get very good medical insurance from my previous employers, including the U.S. Navy. I will be opting out of that for me and my family. How much is that Worth?

2/02/22

As a Sheriff, I vow to be responsive to your concerns. When you call in a complaint, it will be addressed. If you are a victim of a crime, it will be investigated. When you have a question, it will be answered. I will be visible in the community throughout my term, not just the year before elections. You will be informed of the things you need to know as soon as I am able to release information. I will wait for the evidence before making public statements as to whether or not something is proper or a danger to the community. This is my promise to you. Thank you for your support.

11/29/21

This week I want to address another efficiency issue. I have posted a number of times my vision to reorganize the Office to ensure a more transparent, efficient and effective Office.

One of those areas I will take a look at is Courthouse security. I am still conducting my research into how I can make the operation of that branch more effective but I do have some ideas.

Once elected and before I am sworn in, I will meet with the Chief Judge to discuss his requirements in the courtrooms. I will then meet with those currently in charge of the security of the courthouse and review their policies and procedures (if there are any). We will discuss any issues they have and any changes they believe need to be made.

Over the past few years, whenever I have entered the courthouse, I see the magnetometers. The only one I ever see being utilized is the one directly outside the courtrooms. It is manned by a sworn deputy when in use.

My proposal will be to implement a program utilizing law enforcement retirees to man the magnetometers. I will initially look at the level of volunteers we have, but may need to have a cadre of part time employees to man them. Another area will be a part time bailiff position. These will be from any qualified North Carolina law enforcement officer who would like a part time position in the courtrooms to supplement their income. I have spoken to a number of them and have received positive feedback. If properly implemented, this will save the citizens of Macon County valuable tax resources and enable me to add deputies to the road patrol coverage.

This is forward thinking from a leader who is leadership tested and experience proven.

07/20/21

Technology for video first appearance

As I check into how the Macon County Sheriff’s Department operates, I see much room for improvement.

I was researching how to make an arrest more efficient for a deputy patrolling the outlying areas, particularly the Nantahala/Topton area of Macon County. I was curious of the processes, so I made contact with a Magistrate. Currently, according to what I was told, there is no process to speed up arrest procedures to get the Deputy back onto the street in remote areas of the county.

I will change that. North Carolina has a program that was instituted in 2017 called the Magistrate Video Project (MVP). Under that project, when an Deputy makes an arrest, he video conferences with the Magistrate for arraignment. This program was initiated in 2012 and provided software and equipment to allow Deputies to video conference with a Magistrate to discuss probable cause determinations for the issuance of criminal processes, the issuance of search warrants (or at least start the process) and the conducting of first appearance and setting of conditions of release.

Macon County was one of sixty five counties approved for initial use of the MVP. After speaking with a Magistrate, it appears our county has yet to participate fully. This program is a time saver for both the Magistrate and the Deputy. Time saver means money saver for the citizens of Macon County. Time saver means the prisoners spend less time handcuffed in the rear of a patrol car.

How does this work? When a Deputy makes an arrest, video technology is utilized to begin the processes much sooner. Once an arrest is made, contact will be made via video with a Magistrate. If a search warrant is needed, the magistrate can be provided the information for the probable cause. This allows for the Warrant to be completed, which enables the warrant to be executed much sooner, saving the Deputy time and the citizens of Macon County money. This would also reduce the necessity of paying deputies overtime, again saving the citizens of Macon county valuable tax dollars.

One thing that keeps Macon County from being able to fully utilize this program is a lack of computers in all cars. This is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. There are many areas in this county where communication by radio is spotty. That is a safety issue. Each fire station should have a wireless system that is accessible to each officer. This enables this process to begin once the arrest is made without having to wait until they reach the jail (primarily after hours). Additionally, if all cars were outfitted with computers then reports could be initiated, completed and sent from their patrol cars, leaving them in their respective patrol areas. The Sergeant/shift supervisor would approve the report leaving the Deputy to patrol his or her assigned area.

I will not be sticking with status quo. That process has failed the citizens of Macon County. This is one of many very specific plans and while this plan may not be perfect, it is a great starting place. It is something more than “we will be tough on….” or continuing the same old processes that have left much room for improvement.

This will be beneficial to the citizens of Macon County because it will enable a quicker transition back into service for the Deputy enabling him or her to be back on patrol in these underserved areas.

I am working on solutions. Solutions are the result of being leadership tested….experience proven.

12/05/21

Our county is one of 65 who has been authorized to participate in the video magistrate program. I was told that we don’t participate because not all cars have a laptop installed. Once elected I will ensure our cars are outfitted with these valuable tools that will help our deputies perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively. This will enable a quicker turnaround once they have an arrest. This is what forward thinking from a candidate who is leadership tested and experience proven is about!

NCCOURTS.GOV

www.nccourts.gov

11/09/21

Many of my proposals will result in cost reductions. There are a couple of proposals that initially cost, but have the potential to pay for themselves! Take the drone proposal for example. The cost of overtime will potentially be reduced by having a drone search areas much faster which will keep us from having deputies standing around for long periods. That is but one way I will reduce costs. Being a good steward of your money is what I will do.

11/07/21

I am very interested in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. I am proposing we obtain drones to be utilized by trained members of the Sheriffs Office. These are a force multiplier. There are occasions when a person is lost in the woods or a suspect attempts to flee from arrest. This will save hundreds of man hours and improve the safety of our Deputies. That is what forward thinking is about!

09/30/21

This week I want to touch on pay for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. On July 12, 2021, I made a Monday Musing in reference to the current Sheriff’s pay versus the future Sheriff’s pay. I took a little heat over the proposal from the usual critics. One of which said it was all campaign rhetoric. To me that was a challenge. I LOVE challenges! The question I was asked was “what about the other candidates?” Among other comments, all equally negative.

So this week, Tuesday, September 13th, 2021, I once again stood before the county commissioners at their monthly meeting to argue on behalf of the Deputies and their pay. I made the proposal in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes, requesting the County Commissioners reduce the incoming Sheriff’s pay to the lowest level advertised on their website. I asked that the remainder be spread among the deputies, Sergeants and below.

After the meeting, as you can imagine, the nay sayers lit up! They did not think I would make the proposal to reduce my own pay after I am elected. The comments were made that I was playing political games. Making a mockery of the election process.

I thought the election process was to make improvements in our way of life. To make our government accountable and more efficient. I thought that our election process was supposed to keep our politicians honest and working for us. Evidently to my detractors, trying to get a modicum of a pay raise for those who need it the most, is a mockery. That tells you what they think of those who challenge the “status quo” and of those who will benefit most from it.

First, let’s address the proposal. My critics say “if he was involved in local government, (he would have known) that Macon County has hired a consultant to study the pay scale.” Well contrary to what these anonymous (fake) profiles are trying to indicate, you don’t have to be “involved” to know. The county used approximately $100,000.00 of Macon County citizen’s tax money to conduct a pay study. (And it was long overdue.) The results of that pay study showed that the Deputies of Macon County should be making approximately 11% more than they do now. The county decided initially to provide a 9% pay raise, coupled with a 2% cost of living raise that had been previously approved to equal the 11%. Then recently the raise was lowered to 7% plus the 2% cost of living raise which lowered the pay study recommendation of a raise to 9%. I may be a little off, but this is what I was told.

Back to my proposal. I don’t consider trying to take care of my deputies as mockery of anything. I respect them too much for that. So much so, that I am willing to take a huge pay cut for my tenure as Sheriff. It will equate out to approximately $30,000.00 a year. Additionally, while I did not mention it at the podium, I will refuse any pay raise offered by the county for the time I am Sheriff. I did provide a copy of my proposal to the county commissioners stating this. I left that out of my public comments as I felt it sounded too much like campaigning and that is not what I was there for.

I have now been before the county commissioners on two separate occasions, months apart, to argue for increased pay for our deputies. I do not want, nor do I need that salary. I am not doing this for the money. I am doing this to make changes for the betterment of our county and our deputies. I am doing this to give the citizens of Macon county more confidence in the system that is supposed to protect them. I am doing this not for money, fame or glory. I am concerned with improving our deputy’s quality of life. I am doing this to help.

Now, to the the fake profiles that are making a mockery of the deputy’s desire to have increased pay, THAT is real leadership based on proven experience.

09/16/21

On July 12th, 2021, I posted a Monday Musing concerning pay and benefits of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. In that proposal, I indicated I would propose to the county commissioners that they reduce the incoming Sheriff’s pay to the lowest level indicated on their site. According to NC General statutes, the pay must be the same for the incoming Sheriff as the outgoing Sheriff UNLESS the county commissioners make a resolution to reduce it.

On Tuesday, September 13th, 2…

PHOTOS.GOOGLE.COM

New video by Robert Cook

07/19/21

Technology for video first appearance

As I check into how the Macon County Sheriff’s Department operates, I see much room for improvement.

Currently, according to what I was told, there is no process to speed up arrest procedures to get the Deputy back onto the street in remote areas of the county.

I am working on solutions. Solutions are the result of being leadership tested….experience proven.

07/02/21

Get Updates