Wednesday, October 18, 2000

Again, misinformed individuals have prompted me to write to your paper in hopes of providing some much needed education. In your Oct. 11 edition, Denise Fair wrote "Deputies ride in style in some sporty vehicles." Well, Ms. Fair, I believe there are a few things you may want to reconsider.

First, police departments across the country (not just Fayette County) have taken the measures to more effectively work traffic control. They have begun to use vehicles that are less noticeable to violators and more maneuverable when working traffic details. Secondly, yes, there really are police BMWs and even a Ferrari or two around the country. They have been seized from drug dealers, just as the money you spoke of that was used to buy the PT Cruiser.

Now for the money issue you raised. I am sure as a law-abiding citizen, you are not suggesting that Sheriff Johnson violate state or federal law regarding seized monies and property. These laws roughly state that seized monies and property must be used to purchase (or property be used for) equipment used by the law enforcement department. It cannot be used for salaries of any kind, police officers, judges or recreation department people, nor can it be put in a "general fund."

I am sure you would agree that a police officer or deputy assigned to DARE should drive a police car to the schools. According to your letter, any "black and white" would do. By the way, the sheriff's department uses brown and tan.

Let us look at the cost issue you raised, where you quoted $21,000 of drug dealer money was used to buy the "sporty vehicle". I take this as [you meaning that] the Sheriff should have purchased a regular police car, not a sporty one.

Under the current state of Georgia contract, a standard police model vehicle (Ford Crown Victoria) costs $23-26,000, depending upon options. That is from the factory, and does not include radios, lights, graphics and a slew of other standard equipment. Some of this is probably installed in the PT Cruiser, but not all.

So you think that Sheriff Johnson should have spent several more thousands of dollars to put a regular police car at the schools. Hmmmm. It sounds to me like he saved a lot of money that can be spent on other necessary items for the Sheriff's Department. These items might include new radar equipment, uniforms, or other items that our tax dollars would have had to buy.

I do not know what the safety rating is for PT Cruisers. If you say it has such a low safety rating, I must question if you got this information the same place you got the information I have already shown you to be wrong or against federal law. By the way, if you want some more good figures, check out the miles per gallon of gas and compare to two vehicles. More money was saved.

Next time, at least do a little homework and back up your facts before you attempt to slam police agencies. We all deserve more respect than that.

Captain Chris Matson

Forest Park Police

Fayette County resident

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