Don't be surprised if the ones that got away were alerted by the very one that issued the warrants, especially if they are related (to the court house) locals.

Why hasn't the Sheriff's Department in the past sixteen years gone under the state's merit system? It would help with funding for payroll, equipment, and education. Of course, the department and personnel would be required to meet certain standards, like take physicals and drug test. Think I just answered my own question!

I believe that for the most part we have Sheriff's personnel that are well meaning individuals. I believe the position of Sheriff is a Federally mandated assignment, so any tie to the State Merit System would not be applicable. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with setting higher standards on a local level, so I would be for any Sheriff that challenges his/her people to higher standard. John, I agree that it appears there has been more law enforcement press of late, but law enforcement cannot be accountable for the actions of the court in case disposition unless, of course, the cases that are being brought before it are without merit in the first place. I am not so naive to believe that not all races are involved in drug use/trafficking, but to suggest in some fashion that the big players are inherently members of a single race is sad. If you care to more directly divulge information rather than to be suggestive, I would be more likely to take your blog as substantive.

Have you been to the courts here to see how they are conducted? If you haven't you should. You can view for yourself when certain cases are called, a whisper from The-Sheriff to The-Judge, a request on that case. So don't tell me The-Law-Enforcement doesn't have direct influence on The-Courts. Yes, without question all races are involved with the massive drug problem we have in the U.S. and it really is sad. My statement reference to "big (white) local traffickers", is because it is much easier for the Sheriff's Department to go after a large number of users for statistics printed in the paper, then the less amount of big money traffickers (suppliers) that contribute to campaigns. In case you aren't aware, the coastal water property here is and has been for years dominated by the local whites. Do you think back when there wasn't much here and the locals were running shrimp/fishing boats they made their wealth from shrimp and fish? Do you think local law enforcement would go after the local "money people" irregardless of where that money comes from? Money buys influence, you can believe they would have more to lose than to gain. 'If' (WE'LL LEAVE IT AT THAT) I know, doesn't that make you wonder what the Sheriff's Department has been or hasn't been doing for the past sixteen years?

John,

Your points are understood. Deputies, as with any other law enforcement officer, may approach the judge prior to the case to "recommend" a continuance, dismissal, etc. An example of this behavior would be a first time offender before a judge for an expired tag. If the offender presented me with valid registration prior to the court appearance, I'd request the case be dropped. Why burden the court or the offender when the action is corrected. I suppose my only caveat here is be careful to judge yourself as to what is going on, because you may not have all the information. At face value things may look squirrely, but in fact are legitimate resolutions.

As far as addressing the users rather than the dealers, I have never been a big fan of the strategy. I think many departments spend too much time giving the appearance that a "war on drugs" is being fought by increasing arrest numbers by targeting users. As you can see...there is no shortage. If this is a real "war" attacking the supply line would be a better strategy.

I found it interesting that out of the 42 arrests made recently there was little or no actual drugs confiscated and very little property or money was found to be related to the sale of illicit drugs. With all of the agencies that tagged along on the arrests and seizures it was a little embarrassing when you read the actual details of the arrests after the lengthy investigations.

While I agree that the small time users and dealers should not be the main thrust of the investigations 18 months should have garnered more evidence.

"T", I agree with you not to burden the courts on the less criminal cases when they can be settled. What about DUI's? I take that very seriously, but I know (the facts) of two cases that weren't (MADD). I also find it offensive when any case is dismissed because of who you are, we all should be treated according to the crime. What I have personally witnessed is the whispered favors for a certain law enforcement officers relatives. I just happened to know who they were, right place right time. I absolutely do not believe The-Sheriff (not deputies) should "recommend" anything to a Superior Court Judge when the case is in the DA's hand, and I have been witness to that also. So yes, I have seen "squirrely" because it was, and by "chapin98" conclusions (that I agree with) I'm not the only one.

Tom, it is my understanding that the "State Merit System" is an application process requested by the Sheriff, providing that the department sets and meets certain criteria (Standard Operating Procedure). If memory serves me, Chatham and Glenn counties are under the Merit Sytem. The benefits help to fund payroll promotions, advancement in education, much needed equipment and retirement. So what do you think, after sixteen years in office they haven't reached the standards or is it the fact that procedures have to be followed and that "do as they please" control is lost?

Joe,

Good question, but are you referring to State Accreditation? If so, it is my understanding that the two are different; where accreditation primarily addresses procedural operation and State Merit addresses matters more closely related to human resource activity. I may be wrong!

Tom, I believe the standards of one would be part of the criteria for the application process of the other.

chapin98, I was thinking about your comments and realized that if law officers were to sit in these bar parking lots at night for a couple of weeks they probably would have made more arrests with less man power, confiscating more drugs and more property (automobiles). They could do that many bust in Midway alone.

John, I take DUI seriously also. I see DUI on these ATVs flying down the road with a beer in hand all the time. It reflects back to what you have pointed out. If the citizens are seeing these kind of abuses you know law officers are also.

Have you noticed, not ANY of the candidates have used this decussion to explain why, give their positions, or show concern for the problems? Maybe I should run vote "JuneBug for Sheriff".....cute huh? Doesn't appear I could do any worse.

O'kay by me, Junebug as long as your not in the "Click" and you will actually do the job.