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Sheriff candidate Simmons pledges open door policy, no staff reprisalsTue, 03/25/2008 - 3:38pm
By: Letters to the ...
Since announcing my candidacy for the 2008 Republican nomination for Fayette County Sheriff, I have been asked on several occasions if I would honor the jobs of current department personnel when I am elected. I have been informed that some department personnel fear that the next sheriff may attempt to terminate employees, similar to what took place in Clayton County. I have informed anyone who has asked me this question that when I am elected to serve as the Sheriff of Fayette County, I will protect the jobs of all current employees who are in good standing with the department. As a seasoned law enforcement administrator, I recognize that the men and women of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department are its most valuable asset. When I am elected, I will treat all personnel in the department with dignity and mutual respect. I will establish an “Open Door Policy” utilizing the chain of command for all employees. The purpose of the open door policy is to encourage open communication, feedback, and discussion about any matter of importance to an employee. I will welcome constructive criticism and ideas from department personnel. I will work to foster a team atmosphere amongst department personnel. I will use positive reinforcement to improve organizational morale. The challenges of addressing crime in the 21st century with flat or shrinking budgets require that law enforcement agencies find ways to work smarter, faster, and safer. All department personnel must be expected to perform at their utmost capability. I will vigorously recruit, and hire the most qualified job applicants. The administration of 21st century law enforcement agencies demands education beyond high school, whether it is a 2-year or 4-year degree. I will promote the most qualified members of the department to supervisory and command positions. The careful selection of supervisors and command personnel plays a role in reducing employee turnover. It has been said more than once, that employees leave their bosses, not their jobs. Additionally, all command personnel will be encouraged to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. Its mission is “to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” As a 1984 graduate of the FBI National Academy, I have found the training that I received from the program to be invaluable. The crime challenges that Fayette County now faces — gangs, smash-grab robberies, and the county’s recent classification as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking area — demand that the next sheriff have the skill, education and training to administer the department and its $14 million budget. If our current crime problems are not properly addressed, one can only imagine what the future holds for Fayette County. The next sheriff will have to hit the ground running. The next sheriff will not have time for on the job training. When I am elected sheriff, I will use my experience, training, and education to serve all the citizens of our great county. I will aggressively work to enforce our laws, and do everything in my power to preserve our peaceful way of life. To learn more about my candidacy, or to volunteer to work on the campaign or to make a contribution, please visit my website at www.simmonsforsheriff.org. I can be contacted by email at dsimmons@simmonsforsheriff.org or by phone at 770-716-9088. Dave Simmons, CPP 2008 Republican candidate for Fayette County sheriff Fayetteville, Ga. login to post comments![]() |