Ulster County Resolution 194 would create a Police Efficiency Commission. Efficiency is good and thus a Police Efficiency Commission must be a good endeavor, right? Most legislation arises from public interest or need. As the former Chair of the Ulster County Law Enforcement Committee not one person, public official or group ever expressed an interest to me in the topic of Police Efficiency. But that is not 100% true. One person, County Executive Michael Hein, did speak to me about the need to study police efficiency in our county. In order to accommodate Mr. Hein I spoke with numerous people; the Ulster County Law Enforcement Committee, Ulster County Criminal Justice Council, the Ulster County District Attorney and Chiefs of Police Association, Town Supervisors and Mayors. I also spoke with NYS Department of Criminal Justice grants section, Doctor Gerald Benjamin of SUNY New Paltz, and Patterns for Progress’s Jonathan Drapkin. The response I received from these individuals and groups was at best polite attention. That is not exactly “Public Interest”. When I attempted to to report and discuss my findings with County Executive Hein, it seemed he was no longer interested as he did not respond to my correspondence. I would offer the following observations regarding Resolution 194; There continues to be no pressing need and no public interest in a Police Efficiency Commission. The resolution is being offered by Legislators Tracy Bartels of Gardiner/Shawangunk and Dave Donaldson, City of Kingston, neither sit on the Law Enforcement committee and neither has shown any particular interest in law enforcement in the past. I can only speculate as to where their sudden interest in a Police Efficiency Commission originated. In the past there existed suspicion that a “Police Efficiency Commission” was a code name for “lets Eliminate the Ulster County Sheriff’s Road Patrol”. The timing of the proposed “Commission’s” reporting is coincidental to presentation of the county budget. Just sayin. Of the many complex government issues facing Ulster County, Police Efficiency is not one of them. Ulster County enjoys a matrix of police service highlighted by performance, coordination and cooperation. The various police agencies interact and share information, equipment and expertise while developing quality investigations and prosecutions under the guidance of an outstanding District Attorney’s Office led by Holley Carnright. Another suspicion has been that the “Commission” was also code for “Lets make a County Police Force”. A County Police Force would eliminate the elected position of “County Sheriff” and would put the County Executive in charge of all police. In areas where this was initiated expenses actually rose. The creation of an independent “Police Efficiency Commission” circumvents the existing Public Safety Committee. The “Commission”, would also assume to advise cities, towns and villages what public safety efficiency their individual jurisdictions have. The officials of these autonomous jurisdictions are not even mentioned in Resolution 194. Also not mentioned are the Chiefs of the various police departments, and the representatives of police and non uniform personnel. Resolution 194 has a presumptuous air of authority that does not appear to be grounded in fact. In a period of limited resources does this “Commission” expect that town and county personnel as well as police personnel are going to be diverted to “Efficiency Study” duties? Beyond ascertaining the true motivation and machinations of a “Police Efficiency Commission” I would caution; beware “Unintended Consequences”. In my conversations with administrators and elected officials in Ulster County a number were concerned “The Commission” may find they were “Understaffed”, thus creating a need for a Larger department and Budget. Others were concerned that a finding of Ulster County being “Overstaffed” might give the New York State Police the justification it needs to close some or all of their stations in the county. The lost of State Police service would greatly impact many locations in Ulster County (definitely the Town of Gardiner), not to mention the financial impact of the loss of a multi-million dollar payroll. The State Police is a significant employer. Resolution 194 is Not only a County issue, it is an adventure that could affect every resident and every level of government. Quality of Life and the safety and security of our families is more important than political efficiency studies. I recommend everyone in Ulster County follow this proposed legislation and contact your elected representatives with your thoughts and concerns. Jack Hayes Former Chair UCLE/Gardiner Supv. NYSP retired
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:13:17 +0000
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