Watcher -
The problem we have is a lot of young deputies, who may not have enough training (and certainly not enough experience) to know when to exercise discretion. I believe this is the fault of the administration. These are good young men and women, but unless experienced officers give them proper training and instruction, these problems will continue to surface.quote]
You have hit the nail on the head. These are the types of issues that need to be brought to light and discussed. Regardless of posters (including me) personal political opinions, this is one of the true issues that faces us. You reference training and instruction, these are areas that I believe WCSO is lacking in. (Who are current trainers responsible for education of the staff? What type of training is conducted?) The current administration can spent money on a driving track, but how about providing funding to assist officers trying to get degrees? How about officers who actually get to know the members of the community, actually get out of the patrol car? (I used to see a few deputies and investigators each day at a local restaurant and they knew the community and were very well liked). Unfortunately, I have been told these officers have left the department for other positions in other department. Maybe if deputies were trained to communicate with citizens, they would understand the feelings of those they protect.
Any officer reading this, do not think you are not appreciated, you truly are. I just want to see you under leadership that will push you to your full potential, provide you opportunities and help you develop experience. I mean, come on, WCSO does not even have a relationship with SWFD. All because the sheriff does not like them and their past leader (who now runs the Emergency Center in Tallahassee), they do not participate in multi-juristictional task forces (this was referenced in a U.S. Marshal's press article where almost every local agency participated in a felony warrants sweep, no WCSO.
I know a few senior officers and they do try their best to help the newer officers. Unfortunately, unless they are given the support of the sheriff, they can only do so much. Many are simply job scarred and will not make comments. Some senior officers would rather eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and then go home then help any new officer, they are collecting a paycheck. I believe some of these types are documented in Dennis Wise's book.
