03/24/22
The other day I was at a meeting where I met a lady from Nantahala. She was complaining about a lack of patrol coverage in her area. I told her I had a plan to get coverage to that area among others in our county. She turned towards me, looked me in the eye and said “I’ve heard that promise before.” She is right. She has heard it before and why should she believe ANY of us now?
I can only say I have never stood before the citizens of Nantahala and made this promise. My opponents have been part of the status quo that has made that same promise every four years. Their administration has sat there every election and promised to do better. Every four years they have said getting coverage there is a problem. Every four years…..
So, I now stand before those in our most rural areas and make a promise. I promise we will get deputies to your areas. Why is my promise different? Because I have laid out a detailed plan as to how I will accomplish it. It is in writing. You can and should hold me accountable for those promises. The only thing I hear from my opponents is “you deserve the same coverage as those in Franklin.” They are right. You do.
03/13/22
This is the third in the series of candidates comparison. I am highlighting the issues and which of your candidates have comments on or made a plan to address. Today’s issue has to do with manpower. If the post was a plan or a comment is is listed. A reminder that these were researched only using the campaign Facebook pages.
Election Issue: Patrol Coverage/Manpower
Date/General idea of posting
10/26/21: “Task patrol Sergeants with ensuring deputies are out patrolling the rural areas.
11/10/21: Will interview all personnel 30 days prior to being sworn in. Will decide on who stays then.
(Full disclosure: He has stated in the past he will establish an aggressive narcotics unit and a highway interdiction unit.)
(He has said in at least one post he will return to county commissioners to get more money when he runs out.)
Date/General idea of posting
11/20/21: Vowed to implement extra bike patrol on Greenway.
Wants to add security cameras to Wesley Park.
Will continue to enforce motor vehicle laws.
12/10/21: “I am the best candidate for Sheriff to serve the needs of the Nantahala Community because I’ve taken great pride in knowing the people, the roads and building relationships in Nantahala.”
09/04/21: Will do business checks.
Will do community patrol.
Retention and support.
Create a positive work culture.
Build rapport with staff.
Support families.
Will encourage deputies to attend “Heart for Families.”
Will offer incentives to Deputies who attend conferences that make a positive impact on families. No plan. (no information on what the incentives are nor what conferences.)
Exit Surveys.
SRO’s continue to serve school.
Continue to pay for Deputies lunch to visit kids at schools.
07/15/21: DARE
Positive interactions with student and youth.
LEO Sponsored events. Stay engaged.
Positive social media presence.
Date/General idea of posting
01/23/22: Wants everyone to have the same level of coverage as the people in Franklin. (Highlands and Nantahala). No plan.
Can’t be done without adequate manpower.
It is up to the County Commissioners/County Manager.
Sheriff does a good job and will continue with them. (status quo)
12/07/21: Nantahala deserves same coverage as Franklin.
10/24/21: Expand on K-9, depending on manpower.
09/13/21: Nantahala and others deserve same coverage as Franklin.
Promises to work with Otto and Nantahala (etc) to “improve the quality of life.”
01/30/22: Talk about arrests with other agencies. Inter-agency cooperation.
01/30/22: Questions: Will you turn Franklin SRO over to Franklin PD?
Answer: Going to leave them where they are. “So they will have armed Deputies there. (Franklin Officers are actually armed)
Likes how it is currently being done.
Feels the issue will be between the Sheriff and the Chief of Police.
Feels that because MCSO has more personnel than Franklin PD, MCSO would be in a better position to fill in when there is a vacancy due to vacation or sickness. (Status Quo)
01/23/22: Question: Will you move the SROs in Franklin over to Franklin PD?
Answer: He needs to expand his knowledge on this.
11/14/21: Worked with other agencies
Training dogs for five other agencies.
10/24/21: Recruiting.
Incentive pay.
We have recruiter who is actually working at SCC/PSTC.
Question: What will you do about Officers not showing up for court?
Answer: We have implemented a court schedule for each squad. It is a work in progress.
10/03/21: As soon as pay study is done. (Actually there was no pay study.)
Question: How many K-9s do you currently have?
Answer: We have 4 with MCSO 2 more are contracted.
Three are full patrol dogs
Want to get all K-9 training in full patrol.
Will do everything in power to make K-9 successful. The program will only grow.
Date/General idea of posting
01/23/22: Coverage in rural area.
01/12/22: All have been promised coverage from other candidates (and prior administrations). None have done it.
Need to change status quo.
01/07/22: Coverage in Nantahala/Topton will start to see patrol cars in those locations.
12/13/22: Will work with Franklin PD Police Chief to move SROs from in Franklin schools to their responsibility.
Put K-9 back into patrol shifts.
Review court house manning levels.
12/09/22: Rural area coverage.
11/19/21: Detractors say rural coverage won’t happen and may not be best use of manpower. I advised they should ask residents in that area.
11/13/21: County-wide Coverage.
05/24/21: Patrol coverage:
Primary reason – short manpower.
No coverage in Nantahala.
No need for 24/7 due to calls for service.
Plan was put on back burner by prior administration.
Move SRO in Franklin to Franklin PD control.
11/09/21: Question: How to make deputies shifts stay under 24 hours.
Answer: Recruiting
Will work on reducing overtime through full staffing.
Too much causes fatigue and health issues.
10/04/21: Recruiting
Will meet every BLET class at beginning middle and end.
Will be there on graduation day.
Develop relationships with other academies. (already doing that to some degree).
07/26/21: Retention of employees.
Take care of them. Don’t let admin be the problem.
Make sure they know they can count on the chain of command.
Salary
Recruiting
Not working them to death
2/14/22
Today I want to speak on patrol coverage once again. There are areas in our county that rarely see a deputy patrol. When they do, it is responding to a call for service.
In 2007, the county commissioners agreed to add one deputy every year up to four deputies so that Nantahala can receive the coverage the pay for. They never did.
In 2017 the community of Nantahala once again was asking for coverage. The current administration told them that there is an SRO who lives in the community and can respond to emergencies. While that Officer is going above and beyond for the community he lives in, it should not be his responsibility to be on call every day of the year. Still no coverage.
In 2018, during a candidate forum, the question was once again posed to the current administration as to how to get coverage in the Nantahala area. His response was to continue to do the same thing they have done every other year. Ask the county commissioners for more money to add personnel. Still no coverage.
Here we find ourselves in another election year. I agree we can always use additional personnel. That is where the agreement ends though. I have put forth a plan that would allow a deputy to patrol not only Nantahala, but Highlands, Cowee, Scaley Mountain and other areas that currently see few deputies. I can do it with the personnel I currently have. They promised and did not come through. I am promising. Give me a chance to make good on it.
**There are three links I can provide to support each section of this Monday Musing. However when I put them into the text, the only thing that shows on the shared post is the link giving the impression it was about that particular link, which it is not. If you are interested in seeing the links, just ask and I will send them. Thanks….
1/23/22
I was in Nantahala yesterday speaking with some of their residents. We were discussing how the fellow residents feel about their candidates. It was explained to me that they are wary of those not from this area. I was also told that once you lie to them, or not do something you said you would do, they write you off forever. I understand that. As it should be.
So, my obvious next question is why do they even entertain a candidate who currently works in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. It appears to me they have been lied to over the past several administrations. They have been promising to add coverage each time only to disappoint them yet again and again. Seems to me they don’t deserve another chance to disappoint. I have actually laid out a plan to provide coverage. This goes to the good people who live in the other areas such as Cowee, Highlands, Scaly Mountain, Otto and Cullasaja. You have absolutely nothing to lose by letting me try and everything to gain.
Undated:
Over the past twenty or more years, all of my opponents have served with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. They now stand before the good citizens of Highlands, Scaly Mountain, Otto, Nantahala, Topton, and Cowee and tell them they have a right to have at least some patrol coverage in those areas. Three of the four have had the opportunity to ensure those areas get at least a little coverage and all three have failed. Now they promise again they will make it happen. It reminds me of the story of the scorpion and the frog.
I haven’t had an opportunity to implement some help to those areas yet. If given the chance, I will make it happen. You may not have 24/7 coverage, but it will be during peak hours and days. We need to change the status quo. The only way that will happen is with your help.
01/23/22
I was in Nantahala yesterday speaking with some of their residents. We were discussing how the fellow residents feel about their candidates. It was explained to me that they are wary of those not from this area. I was also told that once you lie to them, or not do something you said you would do, they write you off forever. I understand that. As it should be.
So, my obvious next question is why do they even entertain a candidate who currently works in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. It appears to me they have been lied to over the past several administrations. They have been promising to add coverage each time only to disappoint them yet again and again. Seems to me they don’t deserve another chance to disappoint. I have actually laid out a plan to provide coverage. This goes to the good people who live in the other areas such as Cowee, Highlands, Scaly Mountain, Otto and Cullasaja. You have absolutely nothing to lose by letting me try and everything to gain.
01/12/22
Over the past twenty or more years, all of my opponents have served with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. They now stand before the good citizens of Highlands, Scaly Mountain, Otto, Nantahala, Topton, and Cowee and are telling them they have a right to have at least some patrol coverage in those areas. Three of the four have had the opportunity to ensure those areas get at least a little coverage and all three have failed. Now they promise again they will make it happen. It reminds me of the story of the scorpion and the frog.
I haven’t had an opportunity to implement some help to those areas yet. If given the chance, I will make it happen. We need to change the status quo. The only way that will happen is with your help.
12/20/21
Highlands Road/Highway 64 traffic issues
I saw a question on Macon Media site and tried to answer it there. I believe it was deleted as he wants to minimize political postings. The post had to do with yet another semi truck heading up or down the gorge. Evidently this is one of a few in the recent past.
Richard Soleau wrote:
There is absolutely no reason this cannot be enforced. Lets see what Sheriff's candidates have to say. Somebody is going to end up dead.
I agree with you Richard. There is no reason why it cannot be enforced. There appears to be, in my opinion, a few reasons why they continue to end up,on that road to or from the Highlands area. If there are any truckers following, maybe they can add to it.
One is their dispatch gives them a route to take. Another will be GPS which we all know frequently takes us down the shortest route. And yet another will be inadequate signage. And finally, just not paying attention to the signs we have.
As a Sheriff, it is not within our authority or responsibility to erect signs or traffic devices. However, as Sheriff, I will have the ability to propose to the DOT propers signs and location based on studies. I will propose that an electronic sign with large with clearly seen bright letters are erected before the point of no return on both the bottom near Franklin and the top near Highlands.
Additionally, I will enforce the current laws as they are. Once we issue a citation to a truck operator, we will gather contact information for the company they work for (if any) and ensure they are aware of the citation, the restrictions and advise that every one we discover that they send there will receive the same citations. This will start to dig into their pocket and will eventually garner their cooperation.
12/13/21
I have recently received a few questions from someone who wishes to remain anonymous. I will answer them in a public forum as I think there are others who have the same questions.
First question from anonymous.
In previous elections, the citizens of Nantahala have begged for more patrol in their area and have always received the same excuses of not enough money in the budget, not enough LEO's to cover rural areas more, etc. Now that three MCSO employees are running, they want to provide more coverage in Nantahala but they don't explain how their going to do it. Other than lack of details from your opponents, what puts your plan for more rural patrol above the other's empty rhetoric?
Answer:
Bob Cook for Sheriff
This particular question is not really that difficult. I have addressed it on a few occasions already. There are several rural areas where response from the Macon County Sheriff's Office is completely reactive. These areas rarely ever see a MCSO patrol car. In my previous postings I have noted that I will work with Chief Bill Harrell to shift SROs responsibility from MCSO to Franklin PD for only those schools that are within the city limits of Franklin PD. That will return those Deputies to road patrol. I will then take the K9 unit and place a K9 on each shift with the instructions they are to be used as backup officers. This will ensure they are still available for calls where they are needed.
The difference between my plan and my opponents plan is that I have a plan. I have not had the opportunity to ensure these areas have coverage whereas my opponents have. Additionally, one of my opponents removed the K9 unit from general patrol and placed them on a shift determined by him. That further exasperated an already understaffed service. At least they are patrolling in a time slot where the calls for service are higher. Placing one on each shift will ensure we have a K9 unit available 24 hours a day, and not have to call one out and pay him overtime.
07/16/21
Today I stopped by a favorite location in the Cowee area and spoke with several Macon County citizens. Upon introducing myself, I was immediately asked about patrol coverage in the Cowee area. This is something I have spoken about on a number of occasions. I was told that they want to at least “see” a deputy driving around out here! I explained they have a right to see that as they also pay taxes in the county. I also explained that the main reason is the lack of manpower. I explained my ideas for getting coverage into underserved areas such as Nantahala, Highlands, Tipton and Cowee. There is more we can must do.
The second question that came up was about drugs and doing something about a drug house in the area. I explained that I was the only person running that has extensive experience in these types of investigations. I told this gentleman that if I am elected and we receive a complaint, it would be investigated. He went on to say that he hears and believes that the reason the person is not arrested is because of a connection to the MCSO. I relayed my stance on how everyone gets equal treatment. Regardless if you are a relative, informant or connected to a political person, you break the law, you will get the same treatment as anyone who is not in one of those categories. Equal treatment for all builds trust from the citizens and professionalism in the department.
05/24/21
Today’s issue will address the efficiency of the department. I believe that if the department runs with the highest efficiency possible, it will show the citizens of Macon County that we are good stewards of their money. This one could take a number of different Monday Musings. We will start with patrol coverage.
I have studied this particular issue. It is one of the most important issues that affects us as citizens of Macon County. We all pay for coverage and the simple fact is we don’t all get it. The primary reason given is the deficit of manpower within the Sheriff’s Office. There have been a number of Deputies who have resigned and moved to other departments for higher pay and some have moved just because of management style by the leadership within the department, still others have chosen to retire because they have had enough of the daily stress that comes with the job.
There are portions of this county that see very little patrol activity. Nantahala is one of those areas. I have heard Nantahala described in a number of ways from the “Wild West” of Macon County to just plain remote. The patrol activities in that particular area of the county tend to be reactive instead of proactive. That needs to change. Will it be 100% around the clock? I would have to look at the calls for service. I believe if we can get an Officer out there at least during average peak times it will improve the responses to that area dramatically. My understanding is the County Commissioners at one time funded positions with the intent of manning the Nantahala area around the clock. That appears to have been put on a back burner. I will work with the County Commissioners to bring those positions back.
Do you know that as citizens of Macon County, we pay three deputies to perform SRO duties inside the city limits of Franklin? Franklin PD has a minimal manpower deficit and they enjoy a higher rate of pay. That being said, I will work with Chief Harrell of the Franklin PD to transfer the duties of those SROs to his department which in turn will add three Deputies for the road. I have been told that one reason they are supplying the SROs for those schools within Franklin city limits may be because they are county owned buildings. I have also been told by some within the department that “that is the way we have always done it.” That is not an answer, just an excuse. After looking at other city police departments, it appears there are a number of city Police Departments who supply SROs which negates that argument. Those three deputies would go a long way in providing some coverage in areas like Nantahala.
The purpose of providing these musings are to make sure all know what I stand for. I do not believe in complaining without providing at least an idea of a solution. A reorganization would increase the efficiency of this department which makes better use of those scarce tax dollars the citizens of Macon County provide. Ensuring the department is efficient and solutions are given, reassures the great citizens of this county that a vote for me gives them someone who is leadership tested and experience proven!
11/18/21
Some or all of the candidates agree that patrolling more in rural areas is needed.
My hypothetical question is: If a retired law enforcement officer who had no aspirations of advancing in law enforcement anymore than patrolling 8500 acres because they "love being outdoors and that same retired officer also said they were able to catch people dumping garbage, illegally hunting, lighting fires tearing the rural area up.
Would it concern you if that retired officer was trying to convince the great people of Macon County that patrolling rural areas does not decrease crime?
Answer:
The problem with someone like this retired LEO is that he has not spent the past several months talking to the great citizens of this county. He hasn’t heard the stories of those who complain of their house being the victim of multiple burglaries with no response. Or those who make drug complaints only to be told “we have to watch them first.” I have. I know after talking to other officers, these more rural areas are neglected for the most part. I know that people don’t necessarily want to see a patrol officer on their street 24/7. They just want to see one respond when called and maybe drive by once in awhile. So, maybe one is lying. But I am placing my money on the citizens knowing what is going on….or not going on.
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Robert W. Cook
Proactive patrol is an integral part of policing, even in rural areas. Studies have proven that hot spot patrol tactics have reduced crime in those areas, both rural and urban. Not all tactics used in the “big city” will work here. But many will. With participation of the community and the police, we can make a move in the right direction.
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We have tried the way it has always been done here for decades and it hasn’t worked. Our county is changing and with it come more and different issues. If we are to make any headway on the issues facing our county, we need to try different methods.
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Who going to do this rural patrolling when there are only 4 deputies on duty and they are busy answering non emergency 911 and alarm calls?
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Robert W. Cook
Audrey Bateman this is an easy one. You prioritize the calls and answer them. If the patrol deputies are busy answering 911 calls then those in the office will have to put their vests and their gun belts on and answer a non emergency call.
Now let’s talk about the 4 deputies on the street. That is where my proposals for reorganization come into play. I will be moving manpower around to where it is best utilized. I have been told by a patrol supervisor that to accommodate my proposals would take 7 officers on patrol. According to the Sheriff, after the pay raise, they have enough applicants to fill the openings on patrol. Therefore, we will have more than the four that are currently on duty.
Finally, it is a completely unsatisfactory answer to do anything less than what the citizens of this county pay us to do. As a citizen I wouldn’t accept it. As your Sheriff, I certainly won’t.
Thank you for your question!
