Looking for Advice from other Certified Officers Only

[nebraska_deputy]

I work for a small Sheriff's office in a remote area of South West Nebraska where we contract our dispatching and jailing services with the county next to ours. Recently while conducting a traffic stop in the afternoon I called dispatched and advised of location, plate, and the basic information. We have several spots in our county where the dispatcher is unable to hear us because of hills, canyons, and valleys. This was one of the times where the dispatcher was unable to hear me, so I telephoned her. Once I got through the Chief Deputy of the department answered the telephone and hes one of them kind of officers its been like this since dirt was created and that's how its always going to be kind of officers. He asked what I wanted and I told him I was on a traffic stop, he responded yeah, I know , so what? I told him that the dispatcher told me to call with the plate number, at that time he took the plate number. I asked him if she needed any more information, and he rudely hung up the phone on me. Later in the night while at their sheriff's office I asked him what his problem was and he told if his dispatcher logged all my locations all the time it would be too much work for them. He then followed up that statement by saying if your so worried that somethings going to happen to you then maybe you shouldn't do traffic stops. He then said you don't need to call us every time you stop a car, and you shouldn't be running (NCIC Checks) on everyone you pull over, it takes up too much of our time. I talked to my sheriff and he told me that's how things have been here forever. My sheriff then told me that the command staff in the other department didn't like change and will more than likely just keep doing what they have always done. This is just one of several problems I have had with the agency. My question would be to other CERTIFIED OFFICERS do you have any suggestions on how to handle this type of situation? You can either respond here or email me at

nebraska_deputy@yahoo.com

Thanks

Deputy Mendez #9791

[Most_Wanted]

I personally would continue to run every person I come in contact with and notify dispatch of my location of every stop & call. It saves your arse when something goes down and dont have time to pick up you mic or telephone and relay the info say when someone is fighting you or shooting at you or WHATEVER... additional unit NEED to know where youy are at immediately to help you. If they demand you NOT relay that info... I would find another place of employment. You can't change the brass, but you can save you own *****. I want to go home safe every night and I'm sure you do too. It's not worth it to juggle your life when it only takes 15 seconds to notify dispatch. Good luck and please be safe!

[deputy x 2]

We have the same problems with our radio. In some areas, you can't get a cell phone signal.

Our dispatchers are great. We can call them direct. Before getting into the dead area, you notify them of the route you are using. When you get out, you advise again. If something happens... at least they know what road you are traveling on.

Conducting a traffic stop is on the officer. There is NO way of knowing the status of the vehicle or the driver.

The Deputy Chief has the same office as the dispatchers? And answers the telephone? Ewwwwwww! The attitude of not changing with the times is an accident waiting to happen.

Take care of yourself, because no one else will. Be safe.

[Vtfuzz]

Find a new job...if you stay there you will eventually get the short end of the stick and not go home...

[LeeRoy]

Write an official memo to your boss complaining of the treatment received from the adjoining agency. Be sure to save a copy for your estate in case you are killed in the line of duty and poor dispatching is the cause.

When your boss asks what your suggestion is you tell him your agency terminates it's contract with the other agency and pay somebody else to dispatch.

After you write the memo start looking around for a better place to work. Your commanders are not leaders and their decision making may get you killed some day.

[Squader01]

If I were you, I'd goto YOUR Sheriff about it. You're contracting them. I'd run every single person, vehicle, gun no matter what, that's what your county is paying them to do.

Makes me appreciate the laptop in my cruiser, that rarely ever grays out.

If you can't get them to clear that up for you, then I'd take my chips and run. It's NOT worth it to deal with brass like that. It's putting you in direct, and potential danger. You make all the traffic stops you want, you shouldn't have to limit what you do at work, because they don't want to help YOU out.

Just out of the curious nature, about how many MV stops per shift, do you initiate?

[miked6]

I work for a small Sheriff's office in a remote area of South West Nebraska where we contract our dispatching and jailing services with the county next to ours. Recently while conducting a traffic stop in the afternoon I called dispatched and advised of location, plate, and the basic information. We have several spots in our county where the dispatcher is unable to hear us because of hills, canyons, and valleys. This was one of the times where the dispatcher was unable to hear me, so I telephoned her. Once I got through the Chief Deputy of the department answered the telephone and hes one of them kind of officers its been like this since dirt was created and that's how its always going to be kind of officers. He asked what I wanted and I told him I was on a traffic stop, he responded yeah, I know , so what? I told him that the dispatcher told me to call with the plate number, at that time he took the plate number. I asked him if she needed any more information, and he rudely hung up the phone on me. Later in the night while at their sheriff's office I asked him what his problem was and he told if his dispatcher logged all my locations all the time it would be too much work for them. He then followed up that statement by saying if your so worried that somethings going to happen to you then maybe you shouldn't do traffic stops. He then said you don't need to call us every time you stop a car, and you shouldn't be running (NCIC Checks) on everyone you pull over, it takes up too much of our time. I talked to my sheriff and he told me that's how things have been here forever. My sheriff then told me that the command staff in the other department didn't like change and will more than likely just keep doing what they have always done. This is just one of several problems I have had with the agency. My question would be to other CERTIFIED OFFICERS do you have any suggestions on how to handle this type of situation? You can either respond here or email me at

nebraska_deputy@yahoo.com

Thanks

Deputy Mendez #9791


Doesn't sound like a department that values its officers coming home everyday. I would seek employment elsewhere. I am not just saying that either, you should truly seek employment elsewhere. So many departments are having trouble filling their ranks. As a certified officer you should have no problem getting on with an agency that has it together. This, that is how it has always been BS, is just that...BS. Crime is a dynamic process, not a stagnant concept. Progressive departments acknowledge the necessity for adaptation. I would be professional about the whole thing, (ie more opportunity for advancement, better benefits, etc) but definitely bail.

[nebraska_deputy]

I've spoken to my sheriff that was with my department when this occurred, but as he told me the new sheriff will have to deal with these issues. Since I have been there our county has been through three different sheriffs and is working on hiring it's fourth. Each sheriff has said the same thing for the amount of work the county's not paying enough. If the county would just batten down and increased the pay they would be able to keep a sheriff and deputies. But for some reason the county commissioners would rather spend more money on going through staff than increase pay. The only thing keeping me around right now is I'm looking at going to work for the county next to ours, and my wife's getting ready to have a baby. The agency next to mine is about a 30 man department and pays really well. They have three spots open right now, but the sheriff was just beat in the primary election and is lame ducking it till January. Filling the three spots is not a priority to him right now. The merit commission wants to hire, the new sheriff to be wants to hire, but the current sheriff is the one holding up the hiring process. The other problem I face is where I live I'm very limited with departments around me that I can apply at. The county I'm looking at going to work in is one of the largest in Western Nebraska, but there is only two agencies in the county. That in turn makes it really difficult since there is only a hand fully of agencies in the area with an hour away. To go to work for one of these other agencies I would have to sell my house and move to the county. Right now I'm kind of at the mercy of the county I work in till this other agency moves on in the hiring process. For some reason if I don't get hired by the other agency (there are 8 people on the list and 5 of us are certified) then I'll start looking at lateraling to another part of the state, Colorado, or Kansas.

Thanks for the info. everyone

Deputy Mendez #9791

[PPDMO373]

Sounds like they don't care about the well-being of the folks that are out on the road.

You need to find a new PD.

I know the Omaha/Lincoln areas seem to be always hiring.....

Good luck....

[wis cop]

Deputy Mendez you need to put a formal complaint in and have this documented. If this guy all of a sudden deciedes that you traffic stop is not worth his dispatchers time and something happens to you, your family needs some documentation to go after not only this deputy chief but also the agency. The deputy chief is using gross neglegence and your safety is the biggest issue. It will be hard at first but you should try to get your boss or bosses behind you. This deputy chief is not a cop he is a jack *** that needs to go. be safe and god bless

[TX Heat]

You keep doing what you've been doing. Your county pays for the dispatch service under contract so use it.
If he don't like it he can lump it. He can't fire you and no chief deputy has ever been caught eating a deputy...ever! ;) I can't imagine him griping to your sheriff that you're out there...gasp...WORKING of all things! :)

Don't let one surly chief deputy keep you from working as safely as possible. Just tell your sheriff any time there's a gripe.
And good luck on the job move!

[BrickCop]

Talk about prehistoric thinking- what are they stuck in the '50's? It sounds like the problem will persist even if you made a formal complaint. I wholeheartedly agree that you should find another LE job- that department does not deserve you.

In the meantime document each and every instance that you do not receive adequate dispatch/tactical support in the event it ever gets you killed (God forbid). It will establish a useful paper trail for your family's multi- million dollar lawsuit.

[10-31Mike]

Wow, for once I agree with everyone else.

Smile, do what you think is right, and do what you gotta do till you find a new place to work.

You might have to move but I'm guessing you don't get paid squat there anyway.

[nebraska_deputy]

This with some other BS that's been going on with my department got me in gear. I started putting out my resume about a week ago to other agencies, trying to lateral. It's a waiting game now, it just sucks doing the waiting game thing if you know what I mean. It will more than likely be like any other thing; don't hear anything for a week or two then all of a sudden you get a bunch of job offers. Here in Nebraska right now Isn't the prime time to be looking for a new department that would be more in December around election time, but will see how things go. After telling my wife I was going to look for another agency she wasn't too happy at first, but after explaining to her the officer safety issues. She finally was in agreement with me its time to move on. Thanks for all of the advice everyone.

Keep Rolling!

Mendez #9791

[hemicop]

Deputy, Phx PD id lateraling in alot of offs.---consider it

[ragmongo]

Deputy, It sounds like you are stuck until a new administration for your agency or both agencies changes to a more progressive manner and style of policing. This is actually the 21st century and your sheriff or chief should bear some moral responsibility to equip and train his personnel and provide them with adequate communications. It would be worth it, for safety reasons, to form some sort of mutual assistance pact between the area agencies in that part of Nebraska. Then they could obtain funding for mobile digital terminals in the car and you could run your own NCIC checks, license plates, etc, and communicate with dispatchers by just punching in your location & plate and then do your business. Rural law enforcement is tough, especially in remote areas with backup in a land far, far away. My department, Houston Police Department, is aggressively hiring. We have great technology. Officers here have rarely need to pick up an ink pen. We offer a $7000 sign up bonus for the Houston Police Department. We could use you.

[Kieth M.]

There is no Officer's/Deputies Association, or other Bargaining Unit who can confront this "T.A. M.O.M." (tight-*****ed member of management)?

[PPDMO373]

There is no Officer's/Deputies Association, or other Bargaining Unit who can confront this "T.A. M.O.M." (tight-*****ed member of management)?

Nope...Missouri, Nebraska, and several other states in the Midwest don't allow Unions or Collective Bargining......

They are "At Hire" States.......

:rolleyes:

[Kieth M.]

Ouch! I need to stop taking all my protections for granted!

[PPDMO373]

Ouch! I need to stop taking all my protections for granted!

I have heard GA and NC are the same way....."At Will"

It's against Missouri State Statute for Police Officers and Teachers to belong to Unions and Strike......

We have FOPs and the Teachers have a Teachers Association.....but they can't do contract bargining for folks....but they do offer legal coverage so that's why most join up.....

[Blackdog F4i]

This really makes me appreciate where I work.

EVERY stop is called in by SOP. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Every time I get out of my car I call in my location. Any time a citizen flags me down, I call in my location. You never know when the **** may hit the fan and all you can do is key the mike and hope for the best. It has nothing to do with being worried. It's common sense.

I am lucky because the FOP does our collective bargaining. If we have problems like that, then it can be addressed through our labor management.

My suggestion would be to seek employment elsewhere. Few jobs are worth your life. This one is going to get you killed. As others have stated, there are many departments across the country who need good officers.

[nebraska_deputy]

I called the FOP for Nebraska when I got out of the academy a while back and I was told our agency had to have 10 or more deputies before we could join. They went onto say the only other way I would be able to join would be if I joined a chapter with another agency in the area. All of the other agencies have no more than three or four deputies. I later said something about a few things going on; such as no cameras in the cars, backing up other counties, traffic stops, bad radios, and a couple other things. Well not too long after I did that, I was called in and told due to the counties budget I was being dropped from full-time to part-time as needed. I have no faith what so ever in my county. I talked to the acting sheriff last week and he told me the county commissioners were talking about trying to find some way of disbanding the sheriffs office. He said something about have the State Patrol take all calls and contract with another county to serve papers. I'm not really sure if they can do that, but I guess that's why they get paid to make the counties decisions. At this point I'm waiting on two other departments in the area I applied for, I have interviews next week. For some reason if I don't get hired by one of the two then I'm going to start looking state wide and if I can talk my wife into maybe even at other states. Thanks for all the help guys I'll keep you posted.

[BrickCop]

You previously highlighted some terrible internal work conditions that had nothing to do with the budget or a State Police area takeover. Why are you trying to re-arrange the deck chairs on the Titanic? That job is a dead end either way.

IMO, it's time to find another LE job.

[Blackdog F4i]

IMHO you have two options:

1. Run for Sheriff
2. Get the hell outta dodge.

[Sixthscent]

Please take some advice from someone who has walked in your shoes many years before you. Don't put up with it. Make sure to keep it logged and kept in a safe place who you spoke with about this problem, until you can find another department who cares about you. If it continues someone will get hurt. We had the same problem many years ago. The officer is lucky to be alive today. he was jumped by some teenage kids. After being shot once and cut, requiring over 100 stitches, the procedure changed. It ended up costing the departments insurance carrier a couple of million in medical bills and law suits but it changed. When in doubt if you have a dispatcher dont stop the cars, it is not worth it and IF YOU JUST HAVE TO STOP A CAR, HAVE A POCKET RECORDER ON WITH ALL OF THE VEHICLE AND OCCUPANTS INFORMATION-JUST IN CASE. But until you find a new department have fun like we did. When it is slow and nothing is going on, pull up at a parking(grocery store,etc) and run every plate in the lot, make up a D.L. number in your head and call it in, you might be surprized who it comes back to and besides, it keep the dispatcher busy so they wont get sleepy.

Any Sheriff who is a Sheriff will stand up behind you and tell the lazy ***** dispatchers they are under contract and must fulfill their obligations.

[nebraska_deputy]

Yes, that's true my department is a sinking ship. The initial problem was and is still officer safety. In the mean time they have appointed another acting sheriff. Since I have been there Nov. last year they have had 3 sheriff's. The last sheriff I had after I complained enough about the officer safety problems started to understand. Ultimately a couple weeks ago his old agency offered him his job back, and he went back the next day. In his resignation letter to the county commissioners he wrote bad equipment, officer safety problems, benefits, pay, and other issues as his reason for leaving. The new guy they appointed till they could find someone else is telling me about the budget problems and possibly doing the contracting to other agencies. It almost seems like every day something new (not for the good) is happen. I never thought doing this job would have so many problems as I have had here. I'm the new place I to to work for doesn't have half the issues this place does. Never the less I'm working on moving on and I don't plan on going down with the department. I'm hoping by the end of next week I'll be working for another agency. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for the support everyone on the post and emails! This is one of the up sides to this job, there is always good people to guide you in the right direction.

[sgttom]

until the issue is taken care of.


1. write down the plate on your note pad before you get out on the vehicle
2. carry a digital recorder
3. document, document, document and keep in a SAFE place (not at work)

good luck to you. be safe.

[Sixthscent]

It would be great if you could get a copy of the former Sheriff's resignation letter, the one that stated the problems such as officer safety. Put it in a safe place so your family member will be able to get it-just in case the sugar turns to s**t.

[Redders]

I talked to the acting sheriff last week and he told me the county commissioners were talking about trying to find some way of disbanding the sheriffs office. He said something about have the State Patrol take all calls and contract with another county to serve papers. I'm not really sure if they can do that.

I'm not sure about their ability to disband the sheriff's office, however Keya Paha was covered by NSP during the problems they had 3-4 years ago with Greg Swan. The county board asked the brass in Troop B if they would be willing to have the troops cover the calls in the county, while Valentine dispatched those calls. I have no idea how they were able to do paper service. Keya Paha then hired a guy fresh from basic and after he lost the primary he quit without giving notice and left. The troops are back to covering the county again until the new guy can get in in January. Obviously your situation is different, but it's not unheard of to have NSP covering county calls.

[nebraska_deputy]

Hello everyone, just a follow up. I interviewed yesterday with larger SO. in the area and it went well. One more interview and a CVA to go. Anyone know much about the CVA? How they work, and if they are better than the polygraph? I'll you all know in the near future whats going to happen.

Thanks for the support, and emails.

[VSP_Troop]

We frequently have tension between dispatch and Troops because we do not have MDT's so all reg checks, license checks, NCIC,.. ect.. all has to be radioed in. I can only imagine how nice it must be to work for an agency where all cruisers have working MDT's.

[TGM]

Man.... and I thought we had problems in our agency !!!!! I guess I need to be a little more thankful for what we DO have. I am spoiled rotten with the MDT in the car. Before I even turn on the overheads I run the LP. I then put myself out on the traffic stop in the CAD system (Compuer Aided Dispatch) where I come up on the dispatcher's screen. When I return to the car with their ID, I swipe their drivers license in the card reader and it simulaneously runs them for warrants, pulls up their DL return, and enters all the information needed into my electronic citation program. All I need to do is type in the offense and hit "print". If I don't clear the traffic stop on my computer within 5 minutes, my unit number flashes on the dispatcher's screen and they will call you on the radio to check on you. If you don't answer the radio immeditally they dispatch a unit to you. If you haven't answered within 6 minutes you have 2-3 units running code to you.

And to think I want to leave all this... for an out of state agency that doesn't have MDT units in the car... I might have withdraws for a year or two :D

[stmute]

I know you wanted advise from "certified officers only" and from what I've read I can understand why you'd be a bit upset with dispatchers in general.

But I'm going to go out on a limb here and jump in anyway.

These guys are absolutely right, and I'm glad you've chosen to look for work elsewhere! You haven't posted in a while on this thread so I hope things are going well.

As a radio operator (dispatcher), I personally don't give a crap how "inconvenient" it might be at the moment for me, I expect all of my officers to call in their location, a good desc of the veh, plate if possible.. anything that will help locate the suspect if they get attacked the moment they step out of their patrol car! It **sses me off when I hear stories like this. Our guys have MDT's and can run plates/operators without creating CFS's (calls for service) that show the traffic stop on our screens back at troop hq, and I get annoyed when officers run traffic stops without creating a CFS or calling it in on the radio. Fortunately we also have GPS locators in the cars.. but if there is a glitch in that (problem with the modem.. bad signal.. etc) then what?

Safety first, and I hope you find a department that agrees! If someone else reads this thread that is in a similar situation I hope they take this all to heart as well! Document, document, document! Every time you were yelled at or disciplined for doing your JOB. If, God help us, something does happen to one of you, your family will need that info to give to their lawyer.

Be safe, there really are dispatchers that want to see you guys go home to your families every night. I hope you all have depts that embody that.

[nebraska_deputy]

Thanks for the response things are just kind of going right now, but it will change soon. I have a meeting on Monday, but I think I know what its about already. While watching the 5 P.M news tonight my sheriff was on talking about the department budget and the department going to have a lay off a deputy. :rolleyes: I have had a couple interviews in the last week, but I was told till the up coming elections are finished they can't hire me. I have been called by two places and offered to start right away, but my wife doesn't want to move to the area because of the turn over. In the mean time I will still keep looking at other departments. Sorry about not posting my status for a while, but no need to keep complaining over the same crap. :D

Thanks