Recently, a survey was conducted regarding the consolidation of
the two law enforcement agencies that represent San Benito County.
The consolidation or regionalization of the two law enforcement
agencies in San Benito County makes common sense for the citizens
of this county.
Recently, a survey was conducted regarding the consolidation of the two law enforcement agencies that represent San Benito County. The consolidation or regionalization of the two law enforcement agencies in San Benito County makes common sense for the citizens of this county.
The recommendation based on the following factors that would benefit the citizens of San Benito County:
– higher volume of police services
– lower response time
– reduction of duplication
– lower overall operating costs
– restoration of confidence in the law enforcement agencies
The resources provided to the citizens of San Benito County would be better served in the areas of protecting citizens against criminal behaviors, quality investigation of criminal acts, faster response times, adequate manpower to handle most emergency situations, and a host of other non-traditional services. Properly deployed, our regional police force would provide the two communities with far more service and protection than they presently enjoy. The principle argument for considering consolidation is that it will raise the professional standards and confidence in the one law enforcement agency of this county.
Consolidation is not a new thing with our law enforcement agencies; it is already partially implemented as both agencies share a common dispatch center, the county jail, and records with criminal histories, information centers, and task forces. Our regional police force would prove to be quite successful in practice and have reduced costs and liabilities to the communities involved.
The officers of our law enforcement agencies are competent and serve with distinction; however, the opportunities for professional growth are limited in a small department. Officers of the two law enforcement agencies would be afforded more professional growth by exposure to better training programs, more promotional opportunities, and the opportunity to participate with special units in complex investigations. For the officers of the new department promotions, assignments, and personal reputations would lead to a higher level of professionalism on the part of all parties involved.
The opportunities for adequate salaries and benefits, increased levels of training, specialized services, opportunities for promotions, and the recruitment of highly qualified candidates would be considerably enhanced. Consolidation would reduce redundancies that currently exist in the two law enforcement agencies in this county; administration and personnel units, specialized training and in-service training, and command staffing.
The biggest objection would be the from the two law enforcement agencies themselves. Hollister PD and the sherriff’s department are small departments, they are content with the operation of their departments, the services they provide, and the quality of the personnel they employ. Consolidation would bring uncertainty as to the status of their employment and the nature of their jobs. Their arguments could self-serving and perhaps not in the interest of a more professional police service, they are a legitimate expression of the fear of change and the need to preserve the status quo.
The Hollister Police Department and sherriff’s department take pride in their efforts to maintain the level of law enforcement that the community desires. Recently the departments have had some bad press because of particular personnel issues that have eroded confidence in the departments. A consolidation of the two organizations would end an era of intense political climate of in fighting that currently exists between upper level management in the two departments.
A major objection to this consolidation would be from the City of Hollister, losing control over “their” police force and its functions within the City. One would think that the county’s objection would be minimal.
The call for consolidation at this time makes perfect sense. An era is coming to an end with the announced retirement of Sherriff Hill. Sherriff Hill has served with distinction, honor and dedication. A new command staff and administration is poised to take control of the Sherriff’s Department. We are faced with a difficult depressed economy with the cutting of services to the citizens of the community and the County of San Benito. A regional police force makes the most economic sense. The logistics of transition are difficult and sometime painful. Many small counties, cities, and metropolitan areas throughout the USA had made the change and the citizens are now better served.
We need to act on the consolidation or regionalization efforts now, county officials, Hollister City officials need to start talking about this, explore the options and establish a blue ribbon panel of San Benito County citizens to put their heads together and do what is best for the county. If needed put the idea to the voters and let them vote for the proposition. We need to act now.
Mark Conrad, Hollister
