After much research for sheriff

[scooter78]

After much researching for the sheriffs race, and going to the public forum and listening to all the candidates speak. I am casting my vote for Rick Brown.
Finding out he has been in law enforcement for 30 years with the Ft Walton PD and over two years with Walton county sheriff DP. I am pretty convinced that he has the experience needed and a sound agenda on how to improve upon the current department by becoming sheriff. I had a chance to meet and talk with Rick Brown during the forth of July parade one on one. I found out that he has been a life long resident of Okaloosa and Walton counties. Born and raised. This leads me to believe he has a deep commitment to serve and protect the local people and the area. He is down to earth and very approachable. I also found out that he is a US Army vet. Like I said I have researched the other candidates as well and did not see he experience behind them that I have seen in Rick Brown. I suggest for people to really get to know him. I think speaking with him will convince you that he is the best candidate for the job!:clap:

[The Watcher]

After much researching for the sheriffs race, and going to the public forum and listening to all the candidates speak. I am casting my vote for Rick Brown.
Finding out he has been in law enforcement for 30 years with the Ft Walton PD and over two years with Walton county sheriff DP. I am pretty convinced that he has the experience needed and a sound agenda on how to improve upon the current department by becoming sheriff. I had a chance to meet and talk with Rick Brown during the forth of July parade one on one. I found out that he has been a life long resident of Okaloosa and Walton counties. Born and raised. This leads me to believe he has a deep commitment to serve and protect the local people and the area. He is down to earth and very approachable. I also found out that he is a US Army vet. Like I said I have researched the other candidates as well and did not see he experience behind them that I have seen in Rick Brown. I suggest for people to really get to know him. I think speaking with him will convince you that he is the best candidate for the job!:clap:

OK, so as you see it: (Please correct if wrong, I was never really good with math).

Life Long Resident (Area) + Born & Raised + "deep commitment" (believed to be possessed due to the aforemention criteria) + "down to earth" + approachable + US Army Vet = Republican Candidate for Sheriff of Walton County???

Come on, give me more to go on than that... That description basically sums up the qualifications of more the half of the population in the area, just change around the Military Service Branch.

Please try again with more facts:

Let me help you with two to look into.

R. Brown stated earlier this year that he did not believe Walton County had a gang problem.

R. Brown waited until it was politically favorable to file a complaint against R. Johnson, in lieu of filing well before the "right time" when many deputies knew of the issue. Is that doing your duty or playing politics?

:wave:

[Yahoodie]

R. Brown waited until he had put in his resignation before filing the complaint. He also has bills to pay and could not risk getting fired before he was ready.

Please check with the WCSO about gang problems in our county. According to those IN the sheriff's office, there is NO specific gang problem yet in this county

[Life's a Beach]

To the poster of this thread,

I understand your decision to cast your vote for Rick Brown, but my personal opinion (which everyone has one...) is that, Rick Brown will not get that many votes as you think he will. Sure he will get a few votes because he is a very nice guy and awsome ret. officer, but I'm going to predict that he will get maybe 300 votes this August. I may be wrong. So you have to ask yourself??? Why are the majority of the Walton county going out to vote early this election and in the primary elelction? Because we need a change in WCSO, with a new Sheriff. Next, which one of the front runners can I vote for running for sheriff that is well qualified to managed and run the sheriff's office? You see Rick would do an awsome job as WC's sheriff but the reality is he will not recieve enough votes to put him in office. Like I said in earlier posts, my friends and I are casting our votes toward Mike Adkinson this August. Nothing against rick or anyone's decision to vote for other candidates, but that's just the reality of things. That's why Rick Brown, Dennis Wise, Jimmy (Macon a difference) Macon, Tony Corman and Tom Cooper need to reconsider about stepping down from the race because ole' R.L. Johnson will slide right back in office all because of the split votes. Then it will be too late by then. I know some of you reading this post will ask??? Then why don't Mike step down, for one he is one of the front runners, if the not "the front runner" in the sheriff's race and two he is the most qualified in running the SO out of all the other candidates. But vote the way you want to come Aug 26, just get pissed off when rick doesn't get it and ralphie goes back in office for another four years.
As for gangs in WC???? There are a bunch of wanna be gang memebrs here but no hard core bangers. The nearest ones are in pensacola and maybe two in FWB.

[SoWalProfire]

It's hard to get a WCSO deputy to say who they support. Anyone know why?

[The Watcher]

R. Brown waited until he had put in his resignation before filing the complaint. He also has bills to pay and could not risk getting fired before he was ready.

Please check with the WCSO about gang problems in our county. According to those IN the sheriff's office, there is NO specific gang problem yet in this county

The is a member of MS13 who resides in DFS, is that a start. You go and research it for yourself. I am not going to argue the gang issue with you. I have my opinion and you have yours.

[The Watcher]

R. Brown waited until he had put in his resignation before filing the complaint. He also has bills to pay and could not risk getting fired before he was ready.

Please check with the WCSO about gang problems in our county. According to those IN the sheriff's office, there is NO specific gang problem yet in this county

Getting fired for filing a complaint? I don't think you can do that... Oh yeah, this is Ralph we're talking about, all you have to do is get pregnant.:bang:

[idlewind]

It's hard to get a WCSO deputy to say who they support. Anyone know why?

One word answer: "fear" :eek:My sources tell me that while fire fighters are organized and have little to fear from any change of administrations, such is not the case in most police dept. and sheriff's dept. in this area. :bang:

[ShallowsNole]

It's hard to get a WCSO deputy to say who they support. Anyone know why?

So they can continue being a WCSO deputy. Remember, they serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff. If the Sheriff ain't pleased...:(

[InletBchDweller]

It's hard to get a WCSO deputy to say who they support. Anyone know why? Maybe not in public but I did have one call me yesterday and talk to me about who they support and would appreciate it if I supported them also.

And no, I am not naming names. sorry.

[SoWalProfire]

One word answer: "fear" :eek:My sources tell me that while fire fighters are organized and have little to fear from any change of administrations, such is not the case in most police dept. and sheriff's dept. in this area. :bang:

So, if a sheriff candidate supported organized labor, and was subsequently elected, they wouldn't have to fear for their jobs if they utilized their American right to voice their opinion?

hmmmm... interesting

I would really value their opinion today. I wish the sitting sheriff would be open to letting them organize. Then we might really know who they thought would be the best man for the job. I wonder if any of the candidates are open to the idea of an organized labor force in the Sheriff's department.

[eagle11rb]

In the last forum at Freeport High, Rick Brown stated “he would use pregnant women and deputies with broken legs” to serve the large amount of unserved warrants. What is it with Walton County Sheriff’s and wanabe Sheriff’s have with pregnant women? Are these “good o’ boys” who don’t believe women make good officers? Does Mr. Brown think these warrants are for people who jaywalked? Most of those individuals are people who will hide, run and fight law enforcement officers to avoid being arrested and Mr. Brown wants to use pregnant women and injured deputies to do this? Maybe Mr. Brown thinks these individuals can be called up and ask to turn themselves in, Maybe Mr. Brown does not know what “serving warrants” means, Maybe Mr. Brown doesn’t need to be running for Sheriff!

[Nine4cobra]

In the last forum at Freeport High, Rick Brown stated “he would use pregnant women and deputies with broken legs” to serve the large amount of unserved warrants. What is it with Walton County Sheriff’s and wanabe Sheriff’s have with pregnant women? Are these “good o’ boys” who don’t believe women make good officers? Does Mr. Brown think these warrants are for people who jaywalked? Most of those individuals are people who will hide, run and fight law enforcement officers to avoid being arrested and Mr. Brown wants to use pregnant women and injured deputies to do this? Maybe Mr. Brown thinks these individuals can be called up and ask to turn themselves in, Maybe Mr. Brown does not know what “serving warrants” means, Maybe Mr. Brown doesn’t need to be running for Sheriff!


What do you propose pregnant deputies/officers and injured officers/deputies on light duty do?

That is pretty much the "norm... (at the deptartments I have worked at in GA anyway) Injured deputies and officers / pregnant officers/ deputies were placed on light-duty at the station or courthouse. Realistically, they should not even be out doing any kind of warrant service. This is a safety issue not only for themselves, but other officers on duty...

[Seeker1]

As for gangs in WC???? There are a bunch of wanna be gang memebrs here but no hard core bangers. The nearest ones are in pensacola and maybe two in FWB.



Dont be so foolish. Ever see any graffitti or "TAG" in the city of the county? Graffitti is the newspapaer of the gangs. Each tag has a meaning. it can be an advertisement for who controls the neighborhood. It can be the name of the go to guy for dope. it can mean many things. Dont think "tagging" is just a frustrated juvenile with artisitc talents.

As for the "wanna be". Generally these can be more dangerous when confronted by police. A well trained and informed officer knows the gangs and their forms of communication when in a group in his/her area. By doing so he/she knows the limits and capability and the lengths they will go to to prove their allegiance.
A "wanna be" is out to make a name for him/her self and wants it known they are looking for recognition and acceptance into a gang. Therefore they are very dangerous and will do almost anything to get that accomplished. They have no rules and they are unpredictable.
Gangs flourish in affluent and poor neighborhoods alike.
To think there are no gangs here is dangerous. Once a foothold in made its very hard to rid them from an area. Beware, be informed. Ask questions and demand answers.

[eagle11rb]

What do you propose pregnant deputies/officers and injured officers/deputies on light duty do?

That is pretty much the "norm... (at the deptartments I have worked at in GA anyway) Injured deputies and officers / pregnant officers/ deputies were placed on light-duty at the station or courthouse. Realistically, they should not even be out doing any kind of warrant service. This is a safety issue not only for themselves, but other officers on duty...


I dont know about the GA departments, but in Florida it is not the "norm" for deputies on light duty to be out serving warrants. These deputies are and should placed working the front desk at main office or at the district offices.

[Nine4cobra]

I dont know about the GA departments, but in Florida it is not the "norm" for deputies on light duty to be out serving warrants. These deputies are and should placed working the front desk at main office or at the district offices.



That's what I said... read my reply. The norm is for them to be on light duty (in the courthouse or at the station)... NOT serving warrants.

They make it sound like those officers/deputies should be out on the road and are being discriminated against or something...

[drivingthru]

That's what I said... read my reply. The norm is for them to be on light duty (in the courthouse or at the station)... NOT serving warrants.

They make it sound like those officers/deputies should be out on the road and are being discriminated against or something...

I agree. To be out serving warrants, and exposing the officer to something that very possibly got them there in the first place (making arrests or fighting with the bad guy) is ridiculous. Further, what kind of Sheriff would ask a pregnant female that asked to come off the road for light duty, to go back on the road in the same capacity but a different title? Are we nuts??? There is more available to the light duty deputies...I am quite sure there is something they can do in the office to support other divisions. After all, isnt Ralph a bit short handed when it comes to administrative staff?

[scooterbug44]

The is a member of MS13 who resides in DFS, is that a start. You go and research it for yourself. I am not going to argue the gang issue with you. I have my opinion and you have yours.

In addition to asking local law enforcement I also asked the US Marshall's office in PC. Walton County does not have a gang problem according to them either!

I'm not saying it couldn't be a future concern, or that there aren't some wannabe punks around, but that it isn't a big problem yet.

[The Watcher]

What do you propose pregnant deputies/officers and injured officers/deputies on light duty do?

That is pretty much the "norm... (at the deptartments I have worked at in GA anyway) Injured deputies and officers / pregnant officers/ deputies were placed on light-duty at the station or courthouse. Realistically, they should not even be out doing any kind of warrant service. This is a safety issue not only for themselves, but other officers on duty...


They should take reports.

Crash reports. Cat in a tree reports. Left my beach chair on the private beach reports. Lost MY CELL PHONE reports. My car was scratched in the (Instert Establishment Here) parking lot reports. My neighbor looked at me funny reports....etc

Leave the already occurred reports to someone at a desk. The real police work should be done by those physically capable. Once they are OK for duty, they return to kick butt !!!

w

[The Watcher]

In addition to asking local law enforcement I also asked the US Marshall's office in PC. Walton County does not have a gang problem according to them either!

I'm not saying it couldn't be a future concern, or that there aren't some wannabe punks around, but that it isn't a big problem yet.

Well, I am sorry that our information conflicts itself. You can believe what you want, I will maintain my own. Thanks for the thoughts.

[The Watcher]

That's what I said... read my reply. The norm is for them to be on light duty (in the courthouse or at the station)... NOT serving warrants.

They make it sound like those officers/deputies should be out on the road and are being discriminated against or something...

Serving Warrants???

At the Courthouse???

Did an officer, not on light duty, recently get killed in GA?

Serving Warrants, are U kidding?

The Station behind the glass is where any reasonable department has its light duty personnel.

9C, this is not directed at you. Just replying to your post. Gald to hear from U.

w

[The Watcher]

[/i]
Dont be so foolish. Ever see any graffitti or "TAG" in the city of the county? Graffitti is the newspapaer of the gangs. Each tag has a meaning. it can be an advertisement for who controls the neighborhood. It can be the name of the go to guy for dope. it can mean many things. Dont think "tagging" is just a frustrated juvenile with artisitc talents.

As for the "wanna be". Generally these can be more dangerous when confronted by police. A well trained and informed officer knows the gangs and their forms of communication when in a group in his/her area. By doing so he/she knows the limits and capability and the lengths they will go to to prove their allegiance.
A "wanna be" is out to make a name for him/her self and wants it known they are looking for recognition and acceptance into a gang. Therefore they are very dangerous and will do almost anything to get that accomplished. They have no rules and they are unpredictable.
Gangs flourish in affluent and poor neighborhoods alike.
To think there are no gangs here is dangerous. Once a foothold in made its very hard to rid them from an area. Beware, be informed. Ask questions and demand answers.

Seeker:

I would have posted more, but you have summed this up quite well. Great knowledge and understanding of the current problem we face. Thank you.

w
:clap:

[Nine4cobra]

Being a former law enforcement officer from Atlanta, (and being one of the gang specialist for the department) I am familiar with gang problems... This even occurred in the smaller cities around Atlanta. As far as the US Marshalls Office... I don't think gang enforcement is a normal thing they deal with. It wasn't a thing they dealt with in the ATL anyways...

The sheriff will never admit to a gang problem. Just like many of the police chiefs in the smaller Atlanta suburbs wouldn't admit to having a gang problem in their towns. Some said it was boys being boys or "wannabees" or whatever else they wanted to lay it off on...

That is, until it was too late and it was time to play "catch up". It takes admitting there is a possible problem, knowing the one's who are involved from the start of the problem and monitoring the situation as it goes along and handling things as they progress. You will not be able to totally abolish the gang issues, but you can keep them controllable.

I have seen the tags on walls and signs and different things around... Those who keep saying there is not a problem, well, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better...

I know better... It may not be a major "problem" right now, but it's the making, trust me.


Just my opinion, I'll get off the soap box now... :biggrin:

[The Watcher]

Being a former law enforcement officer from Atlanta, (and being one of the gang specialist for the department) I am familiar with gang problems... This even occurred in the smaller cities around Atlanta. As far as the US Marshalls Office... I don't think gang enforcement is a normal thing they deal with. It wasn't a thing they dealt with in the ATL anyways...

The sheriff will never admit to a gang problem. Just like many of the police chiefs in the smaller Atlanta suburbs wouldn't admit to having a gang problem in their towns. Some said it was boys being boys or "wannabees" or whatever else they wanted to lay it off on...

That is, until it was too late and it was time to play "catch up". It takes admitting there is a possible problem, knowing the one's who are involved from the start of the problem and monitoring the situation as it goes along and handling things as they progress. You will not be able to totally abolish the gang issues, but you can keep them controllable.

I have seen the tags on walls and signs and different things around... Those who keep saying there is not a problem, well, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better...

I know better... It may not be a major "problem" right now, but it's the making, trust me.


Just my opinion, I'll get off the soap box now... :biggrin:

Thank you for sharing. We share a great deal in common. You have hit the nail on the head and thank you for using the hammer. I can only hope someone will listen. Climb back up anytime and educate us.

w