Part-Time Patrols Not an Option By Rebecca Osterberg, Boone County Journal, July 10, 2009

Part-Time
Patrols
Not an Option
By Rebecca Osterberg
Finances were a large part of the discussion at the Boone
County’s Public Safety Committee meeting on Monday.
“We are holding back on quite a few things,” said
Boone County Administrator Ken Terrinoni. “The Sheriff’s
Department is at 57 percent [of budget expenditures and
revenue] for the past year. That includes the back pay that
was paid this year, so the sheriff is doing great.”
Terrinoni was commenting on Boone County Sheriff
Duane Wirth and his efforts to meet the county’s request to
keep a tight rein on the budget.
“I don’t know about how we’re trending, but we are
going to be behind with two deputies out for health/surgical
reasons,” said Lt. Phil Beu.
Boone County Board Representative Danny Anderson
(District 3) asked if the part-time deputies were being used
and if it helps with overtime.
“We have used them as much as we can,” Beu said.
Wirth explained that part of the problem with scheduling
part-time employees is a concern for liability. “They have
to work at least 16 hours a month,” said Wirth. “That is
something we have to do.”
Committee members also asked about the Sheriff’s
Patrol. Wirth noted that those officers are required to train,
riding alongside other deputies. “We have redone our rules
and regulations. We have also appointed an officer over the
patrols,” said Wirth.
County Board Representative Anthony Dini (District 2)
asked how long it takes to hire and work up a new deputy.
Wirth replied that it takes several months, including training.
Dini’s concern was that the department will be down by at
least three officers. “I just don’t want to be down 37 and
then 36 and then not have enough,” said Dini.
“Have you ever looked at more part-time people,” asked
Boone County Board Representative Cathy Ward (District
2).
“I have, but in doing that, I want to maintain the stability
of the Boone County Sheriff’s office,” said Wirth. “I have
never hired one. That was done before I came on. They are
a real asset. It is a liability issue.”
According to Lt. Beu, the union that represents deputies
indicated that they would not allow any more part-time
deputies to put on.
“Was it written in the contract that there wouldn’t be any
more part-time?” asked county board Representative Karl
Johnson (District 2), to which Beu responded, “No.”
“Then tough bananas,” said Johnson, and he added, “Not
to begrudge the full-time deputies, but if it’s a way to save
money.”
Beu expressed concern over hiring part-time deputies.
Those concerns included the resignation of full-timers the
county has paid to have trained and a perceived lack of
professionalism and certification of part-time employees.
“They have to have the same training as a full-time
deputy,” said Dini.
Ward was concerned about the suggestion that full-time
employees would quit if more part-time deputies were hired.
“I hope you’re not saying that all the full-time deputies
would do that,” said Ward.
Wirth noted his concerns. “They [part time deputies]
aren’t in the field as much, they don’t have the experience,”
Wirth said. “It’s kind of like having a part-time doctor or
a part-time nurse...you wouldn’t want them working on
you.”
“Point well taken,” said Johnson, “but we need to
consider ways to save for 2010. We need to look outside
the box and if that’s a way, let’s hope the union issues don’t
come to that.”
County board Chairman Bob Walberg (District 1) added
his concerns. “That’s the first step to breaking the union is
bringing in part-time people,” said Walberg. “I don’t know
if it’s a closed shop or an open shop, but you’re probably
lucky to have the two you have.”
Wirth noted that lawsuits in Boone County were low
compared with other municipalities. “We are already
starting to get complaints because we can’t put the overtime
out there,” said Wirth. “We have a lot of calls. We are
continually going. There are things to be doing that we
aren’t. We just don’t have the money. I’m not seeing abuse
of squads. I’m not seeing any other abuses. We are holding
off on training. We have a lot of new officers and they need
the training. I know we need to save money, but I’m telling
you that the liability, as a board, is on you. I’m doing the
best I can with what you give me.”