Broward lets probation-violation suspects go free in transpo

Join the lively discussion as BSO let's our violators walk.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/ ... 0295.story (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbprobation0210sbfeb10,0,4760295.story)

A convicted robber, two drug offenders and five other people who normally would have been put behind bars went free in recent weeks — all because the Broward Sheriff's Office said it doesn't have the money to drive them to jail.

Under a new policy that the state is criticizing as dangerous and illegal, the Sheriff's Office is trying to economize by no longer transporting to jail certain people accused of violating probation, according to agency memos. The Sheriff's Office, which is bracing for budget cuts, says the Florida Department of Corrections, which oversees people on probation, needs to transport such violators on its own.

The state argues it doesn't have the training or resources and that the law requires local agencies to assist it.




The result of the stalemate: Since Feb. 1, eight people have been let go, including a convicted robber and a drug offender, both of whom tested positive for cocaine use, and a second drug offender who was delinquent in paying costs and restitution, said state Corrections spokeswoman Jo Ellyn Rackleff.

Sheriff's spokesman Jim Leljedal declined to comment on the new policy, but internal memos obtained by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provide details.

Starting this month, the Sheriff's Office stopped transporting people accused of violating probation if they were held at state probation offices outside the sheriff's normal patrol area. To obtain transport on a "priority basis" from within the patrol area, the Sheriff's Office will now require an arrest warrant for the accused violator, according to a Jan. 11 memo by Sheriff's Lt. Col. Danny Wright to Beth Atchinson, a Corrections regional director.

The problem: Probation officers with Corrections often make warrantless arrests — for instance, when people fail on-the-spot checks for drug use, possession or commit other violations. Otherwise, the officers would have to let such people go, ask a judge for a warrant, track them down again, and then have the Sheriff's Office arrest them. Rackleff said officials will seek warrants in the cases of the people let go in recent weeks.

Under the new Sheriff's Office policy, deputies will no longer transport alleged violators to jail from five locations — two state probation offices in Fort Lauderdale and others in Hollywood, Plantation and Lauderhill. It will still serve three other offices — in Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Wright wrote in his memo that the rapid expansion of the Sheriff's Office has strained resources dedicated to jail transport. The Sheriff's Office also is getting ready for further budget cuts after Florida voters on Jan. 29 approved a constitutional amendment intended to reduce property taxes.

Broward County is home to more than 20,000 probationers. Neither Corrections nor the Sheriff's Office would say how many accused probation violators are transported in Broward each year or at what cost. City police departments can also help with transport, but usually have even fewer resources.

The Sheriff's Office in 2006 warned the state it might have to cut back transports. The Sheriff's Office wanted to "give the Department sufficient time to arrange for alternative transportation," Wright wrote.

Corrections has protested, though, that it does not have the ability to take over such a large operation, nor should it have to.

"While the Department of Corrections is certainly cognizant of budgetary constraints for various agencies throughout the state, the Department believes this proposed policy is contrary to public safety and your statutory duty," former Corrections Secretary James McDonough wrote in a Jan. 25 memo to Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti.

McDonough cited state statutes that empower parole and probation officers to arrest or request the arrest of an offender "without warrant," and that require sheriffs to " apprehend, without warrant, any person disturbing the peace."

McDonough, who resigned last month, wrote in the memo that on-duty probation officers drive their personal vehicles, which are not equipped with security barriers between the front and back seats. McDonough said department policy forbids probation officers from transporting arrestees in their own cars because of the lack of such safeguards.

The Sheriff's Office has offered to let Corrections borrow patrol vehicles until the agency can buy its own — a suggestion that Corrections officials have rebuffed. In every other Florida county, Corrections depends on local law enforcement to help transport violators, Rackleff said.

It will just take one doing something real bad and the Sheriff will change his arrogant tune real fast. I think you are seeing some of this due to that tax amenment being placed on the ballot and them being mad at the state.

Looks like the legislature will have to revive that bill this session that clearly states that the locals have to transport warrantless arrest violators. They had it ready to be passed a couple of years ago but it wasnt voted on. Now I m sure it will be if this County keeps playing games with public safety.

A convicted robber, two drug offenders and five other people who normally would have been put behind bars went free in recent weeks — all because the Broward Sheriff's Office said it doesn't have the money to drive them to jail.

Under a new policy that the state is criticizing as dangerous and illegal, the Sheriff's Office is trying to economize by no longer transporting to jail certain people accused of violating probation, according to agency memos. The Sheriff's Office, which is bracing for budget cuts, says the Florida Department of Corrections, which oversees people on probation, needs to transport such violators on its own.

The state argues it doesn't have the training or resources and that the law requires local agencies to assist it.




The result of the stalemate: Since Feb. 1, eight people have been let go, including a convicted robber and a drug offender, both of whom tested positive for cocaine use, and a second drug offender who was delinquent in paying costs and restitution, said state Corrections spokeswoman Jo Ellyn Rackleff.

Sheriff's spokesman Jim Leljedal declined to comment on the new policy, but internal memos obtained by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provide details.

Starting this month, the Sheriff's Office stopped transporting people accused of violating probation if they were held at state probation offices outside the sheriff's normal patrol area. To obtain transport on a "priority basis" from within the patrol area, the Sheriff's Office will now require an arrest warrant for the accused violator, according to a Jan. 11 memo by Sheriff's Lt. Col. Danny Wright to Beth Atchinson, a Corrections regional director.

The problem: Probation officers with Corrections often make warrantless arrests — for instance, when people fail on-the-spot checks for drug use, possession or commit other violations. Otherwise, the officers would have to let such people go, ask a judge for a warrant, track them down again, and then have the Sheriff's Office arrest them. Rackleff said officials will seek warrants in the cases of the people let go in recent weeks.

Under the new Sheriff's Office policy, deputies will no longer transport alleged violators to jail from five locations — two state probation offices in Fort Lauderdale and others in Hollywood, Plantation and Lauderhill. It will still serve three other offices — in Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Wright wrote in his memo that the rapid expansion of the Sheriff's Office has strained resources dedicated to jail transport. The Sheriff's Office also is getting ready for further budget cuts after Florida voters on Jan. 29 approved a constitutional amendment intended to reduce property taxes.

Broward County is home to more than 20,000 probationers. Neither Corrections nor the Sheriff's Office would say how many accused probation violators are transported in Broward each year or at what cost. City police departments can also help with transport, but usually have even fewer resources.

The Sheriff's Office in 2006 warned the state it might have to cut back transports. The Sheriff's Office wanted to "give the Department sufficient time to arrange for alternative transportation," Wright wrote.

Corrections has protested, though, that it does not have the ability to take over such a large operation, nor should it have to.

"While the Department of Corrections is certainly cognizant of budgetary constraints for various agencies throughout the state, the Department believes this proposed policy is contrary to public safety and your statutory duty," former Corrections Secretary James McDonough wrote in a Jan. 25 memo to Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti.

McDonough cited state statutes that empower parole and probation officers to arrest or request the arrest of an offender "without warrant," and that require sheriffs to " apprehend, without warrant, any person disturbing the peace."

McDonough, who resigned last month, wrote in the memo that on-duty probation officers drive their personal vehicles, which are not equipped with security barriers between the front and back seats. McDonough said department policy forbids probation officers from transporting arrestees in their own cars because of the lack of such safeguards.

The Sheriff's Office has offered to let Corrections borrow patrol vehicles until the agency can buy its own — a suggestion that Corrections officials have rebuffed. In every other Florida county, Corrections depends on local law enforcement to help transport violators, Rackleff said.

I KNOW A PO WHO STILL WORKS FOR US THAT GAVE AN OFFENDER A RIDE BECAUSE HE FELT SORRY FOR HIM WAITING FOR THE BUS IN THE RAIN.

I feel sorry for victims. Does that mean I can transport bad guys to jail in my personal vehicle?

A convicted robber, two drug offenders and five other people who normally would have been put behind bars went free in recent weeks — all because the Broward Sheriff's Office said it doesn't have the money to drive them to jail.

Under a new policy that the state is criticizing as dangerous and illegal, the Sheriff's Office is trying to economize by no longer transporting to jail certain people accused of violating probation, according to agency memos. The Sheriff's Office, which is bracing for budget cuts, says the Florida Department of Corrections, which oversees people on probation, needs to transport such violators on its own.

The state argues it doesn't have the training or resources and that the law requires local agencies to assist it.




The result of the stalemate: Since Feb. 1, eight people have been let go, including a convicted robber and a drug offender, both of whom tested positive for cocaine use, and a second drug offender who was delinquent in paying costs and restitution, said state Corrections spokeswoman Jo Ellyn Rackleff.

Sheriff's spokesman Jim Leljedal declined to comment on the new policy, but internal memos obtained by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provide details.

Starting this month, the Sheriff's Office stopped transporting people accused of violating probation if they were held at state probation offices outside the sheriff's normal patrol area. To obtain transport on a "priority basis" from within the patrol area, the Sheriff's Office will now require an arrest warrant for the accused violator, according to a Jan. 11 memo by Sheriff's Lt. Col. Danny Wright to Beth Atchinson, a Corrections regional director.

The problem: Probation officers with Corrections often make warrantless arrests — for instance, when people fail on-the-spot checks for drug use, possession or commit other violations. Otherwise, the officers would have to let such people go, ask a judge for a warrant, track them down again, and then have the Sheriff's Office arrest them. Rackleff said officials will seek warrants in the cases of the people let go in recent weeks.

Under the new Sheriff's Office policy, deputies will no longer transport alleged violators to jail from five locations — two state probation offices in Fort Lauderdale and others in Hollywood, Plantation and Lauderhill. It will still serve three other offices — in Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Wright wrote in his memo that the rapid expansion of the Sheriff's Office has strained resources dedicated to jail transport. The Sheriff's Office also is getting ready for further budget cuts after Florida voters on Jan. 29 approved a constitutional amendment intended to reduce property taxes.

Broward County is home to more than 20,000 probationers. Neither Corrections nor the Sheriff's Office would say how many accused probation violators are transported in Broward each year or at what cost. City police departments can also help with transport, but usually have even fewer resources.

The Sheriff's Office in 2006 warned the state it might have to cut back transports. The Sheriff's Office wanted to "give the Department sufficient time to arrange for alternative transportation," Wright wrote.

Corrections has protested, though, that it does not have the ability to take over such a large operation, nor should it have to.

"While the Department of Corrections is certainly cognizant of budgetary constraints for various agencies throughout the state, the Department believes this proposed policy is contrary to public safety and your statutory duty," former Corrections Secretary James McDonough wrote in a Jan. 25 memo to Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti.

McDonough cited state statutes that empower parole and probation officers to arrest or request the arrest of an offender "without warrant," and that require sheriffs to " apprehend, without warrant, any person disturbing the peace."

McDonough, who resigned last month, wrote in the memo that on-duty probation officers drive their personal vehicles, which are not equipped with security barriers between the front and back seats. McDonough said department policy forbids probation officers from transporting arrestees in their own cars because of the lack of such safeguards.

The Sheriff's Office has offered to let Corrections borrow patrol vehicles until the agency can buy its own — a suggestion that Corrections officials have rebuffed. In every other Florida county, Corrections depends on local law enforcement to help transport violators, Rackleff said.

I KNOW A PO WHO STILL WORKS FOR US THAT GAVE AN OFFENDER A RIDE BECAUSE HE FELT SORRY FOR HIM WAITING FOR THE BUS IN THE RAIN.

Was he/she even given a reprimand ?

It is now time for the state to issue the probation office vehicles so we can start transporting offenders to jail and do field work. Maybe this will wake people up in Tallahassee!

It will just take one doing something real bad and the Sheriff will change his arrogant tune real fast. I think you are seeing some of this due to that tax amenment being placed on the ballot and them being mad at the state.

No, it has everything to do with your department wanting a free ride. Good for the Sheriff and POlice Chief's to hold DOC accountable.

Looks like the legislature will have to revive that bill this session that clearly states that the locals have to transport warrantless arrest violators. They had it ready to be passed a couple of years ago but it wasnt voted on. Now I m sure it will be if this County keeps playing games with public safety.

If you just did your job it wouldn't be an issue. I am not talking about individuals who are working, I am talking about the department. Transport your own prisoners.

It is now time for the state to issue the probation office vehicles so we can start transporting offenders to jail and do field work. Maybe this will wake people up in Tallahassee!

We will not get vehicles. It will only wake them up to push that bill clarifying the locals are responsible if this catches on. This reminds me of those Sheriff's previously saying they were going to make the state pay for the room and board of violators for the time they were in their jails. Kind of comical in a way if not for the public safety issues.

Looks like the legislature will have to revive that bill this session that clearly states that the locals have to transport warrantless arrest violators. They had it ready to be passed a couple of years ago but it wasnt voted on. Now I m sure it will be if this County keeps playing games with public safety.

If you just did your job it wouldn't be an issue. I am not talking about individuals who are working, I am talking about the department. Transport your own prisoners.

THEY ain't OUR prisoners. By virtue of the violation -warrantless or not they need to go to jail. Now if you want to argue about what they are violated for -those zero tolerance doobies that everyone knows are NOT going to result in any sanctions from the court then we have some common ground.

Escambia County Sheriff Ron McNesby stopped transporting ours over 2 years ago. Every other LEO agency in our 4 county circuit fully cooperates.
The Sheriff had some legitimate complaints from deputies about the poor wussy support they sometimes received at 01-5, but rather than trying to resolve the issue the simpleton simply stopped serving both offices.

Re-elect Let 'em go Ron for Sheriff!

I just wanted to say hi to Judy.

Looks like the counties are fighing back for the governors cuts. Finally a sheriff with balls enough to stand up to the unfunded mandates. Let the departmetn reimburse the sheriff for transport. The statute that former Secretary McDonough quotes requores them to deliver them but there is no mention of pay. 948.06 states:

(1)(a) Whenever within the period of probation or community control there are reasonable grounds to believe that a probationer or offender in community control has violated his or her probation or community control in a material respect, any law enforcement officer who is aware of the probationary or community control status of the probationer or offender in community control or any parole or probation supervisor may arrest or request any county or municipal law enforcement officer to arrest such probationer or offender without warrant wherever found and return him or her to the court granting such probation or community control.

It doesn't state that they cannot ask for or demand reimbursement.

Let the governor take the heat when we have to loose more positions beacuse of of his politics. This will further endanger public safety as we are running at bare bones now. We are an agency that cannot function as is. Any more losses and we will be totally ineffective.

A convicted robber, two drug offenders and five other people who normally would have been put behind bars went free in recent weeks — all because the Broward Sheriff's Office said it doesn't have the money to drive them to jail.

Under a new policy that the state is criticizing as dangerous and illegal, the Sheriff's Office is trying to economize by no longer transporting to jail certain people accused of violating probation, according to agency memos. The Sheriff's Office, which is bracing for budget cuts, says the Florida Department of Corrections, which oversees people on probation, needs to transport such violators on its own.

The state argues it doesn't have the training or resources and that the law requires local agencies to assist it.




The result of the stalemate: Since Feb. 1, eight people have been let go, including a convicted robber and a drug offender, both of whom tested positive for cocaine use, and a second drug offender who was delinquent in paying costs and restitution, said state Corrections spokeswoman Jo Ellyn Rackleff.

Sheriff's spokesman Jim Leljedal declined to comment on the new policy, but internal memos obtained by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provide details.

Starting this month, the Sheriff's Office stopped transporting people accused of violating probation if they were held at state probation offices outside the sheriff's normal patrol area. To obtain transport on a "priority basis" from within the patrol area, the Sheriff's Office will now require an arrest warrant for the accused violator, according to a Jan. 11 memo by Sheriff's Lt. Col. Danny Wright to Beth Atchinson, a Corrections regional director.

The problem: Probation officers with Corrections often make warrantless arrests — for instance, when people fail on-the-spot checks for drug use, possession or commit other violations. Otherwise, the officers would have to let such people go, ask a judge for a warrant, track them down again, and then have the Sheriff's Office arrest them. Rackleff said officials will seek warrants in the cases of the people let go in recent weeks.

Under the new Sheriff's Office policy, deputies will no longer transport alleged violators to jail from five locations — two state probation offices in Fort Lauderdale and others in Hollywood, Plantation and Lauderhill. It will still serve three other offices — in Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Wright wrote in his memo that the rapid expansion of the Sheriff's Office has strained resources dedicated to jail transport. The Sheriff's Office also is getting ready for further budget cuts after Florida voters on Jan. 29 approved a constitutional amendment intended to reduce property taxes.

Broward County is home to more than 20,000 probationers. Neither Corrections nor the Sheriff's Office would say how many accused probation violators are transported in Broward each year or at what cost. City police departments can also help with transport, but usually have even fewer resources.

The Sheriff's Office in 2006 warned the state it might have to cut back transports. The Sheriff's Office wanted to "give the Department sufficient time to arrange for alternative transportation," Wright wrote.

Corrections has protested, though, that it does not have the ability to take over such a large operation, nor should it have to.

"While the Department of Corrections is certainly cognizant of budgetary constraints for various agencies throughout the state, the Department believes this proposed policy is contrary to public safety and your statutory duty," former Corrections Secretary James McDonough wrote in a Jan. 25 memo to Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti.

McDonough cited state statutes that empower parole and probation officers to arrest or request the arrest of an offender "without warrant," and that require sheriffs to " apprehend, without warrant, any person disturbing the peace."

McDonough, who resigned last month, wrote in the memo that on-duty probation officers drive their personal vehicles, which are not equipped with security barriers between the front and back seats. McDonough said department policy forbids probation officers from transporting arrestees in their own cars because of the lack of such safeguards.

The Sheriff's Office has offered to let Corrections borrow patrol vehicles until the agency can buy its own — a suggestion that Corrections officials have rebuffed. In every other Florida county, Corrections depends on local law enforcement to help transport violators, Rackleff said.

If the Sheriff's Office is willing to provide DOC with transport vehicles, why aren't we jumping on this? It won't cost the Department any money to buy cars, and if given enough time, certain officers could be trained for transporting offenders. If we are provided with a patrol car that has the necessary safety equipment that would ensure officer safety, I personally thing that this is a great idea. I don't think its fair that the city police and county Sheriff's office has to take time to come to our office to transport our offenders. Just as the department is trying to save money, local law enforcement agencies are trying to save money as well.
Just my 5 cents.

shanon323

In 2003 the Florida Highway Patrol offered the Department their old State Mustang vehicles. DC turned them down because they said they did not have the budget for repairs. Now these cars could have been used for field work, transport whatever. Others have made this offer and we always turn them down.

Now I am sure that each office has people who would not want to transport their own arrests and others that would. Our job is whatever the boss defines it to be.

Our new boss is a former police chief and may have a differnt opinion than the former Secretary. The Sheriff's association is a very powerful lobby in Tallahassee and they have been of the mind that State Probation should be doing more requiring less of them.

As budgett cuts become reality for everyone, I suspect more will be required from this agency than less. DC does not have many friends in the legislature but the Sheriffs do. We keep making policies that affect other agencies without consulting them. I suspect if we keep pissing the Locals off, more of them will join in on the BSO bandwagon.[/list]

I just wanted to say hi to Judy.

Hello. How'd I do? :D

In 2003 the Florida Highway Patrol offered the Department their old State Mustang vehicles. DC turned them down because they said they did not have the budget for repairs. Now these cars could have been used for field work, transport whatever. Others have made this offer and we always turn them down.

Now I am sure that each office has people who would not want to transport their own arrests and others that would. Our job is whatever the boss defines it to be.

Our new boss is a former police chief and may have a differnt opinion than the former Secretary. The Sheriff's association is a very powerful lobby in Tallahassee and they have been of the mind that State Probation should be doing more requiring less of them.

As budgett cuts become reality for everyone, I suspect more will be required from this agency than less. DC does not have many friends in the legislature but the Sheriffs do. We keep making policies that affect other agencies without consulting them. I suspect if we keep pissing the Locals off, more of them will join in on the BSO bandwagon.[/list]

Spot on

In 2003 the Florida Highway Patrol offered the Department their old State Mustang vehicles. DC turned them down because they said they did not have the budget for repairs. Now these cars could have been used for field work, transport whatever. Others have made this offer and we always turn them down.

Now I am sure that each office has people who would not want to transport their own arrests and others that would. Our job is whatever the boss defines it to be.

Our new boss is a former police chief and may have a differnt opinion than the former Secretary. The Sheriff's association is a very powerful lobby in Tallahassee and they have been of the mind that State Probation should be doing more requiring less of them.

As budgett cuts become reality for everyone, I suspect more will be required from this agency than less. DC does not have many friends in the legislature but the Sheriffs do. We keep making policies that affect other agencies without consulting them. I suspect if we keep pissing the Locals off, more of them will join in on the BSO bandwagon.[/list]

Right. The state doesnt care about that when it comes to having to spend more money. The state is under tighter spending constraints than even the counties with the upcoming budgets. I can almost guarantee you the state will never take on that responsibilty as it is accepted to be the city/county's job. If the Sheriffs lobby had power like that the state would be paying them to house the violators and that will never happen either.

I just wanted to say hi to Judy.

Hello. How'd I do? :D

Not too good....based on all the replies. :oops:

[BOSMIA]

Maybe this will wake up the DOC to do something.

They certainly have had enough time..............years.

IN 1997 I TRANSFERRED FROM A COUNTY AND REGION THAT ARRESTED PRBATIONERS TO JOYCE HALEYS FT. LAUDERDALE REGION. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT I HAD TO ALLOW COMMUNITY CONTROL OFFENDERS WALK OUT THE DOOR.........IT SEEMED JOYCE HALEYS FT LAUDERDALE REGION ARRESTED NO ONE....................10 YEARS LATER WHATS THE BIG DEAL...........LET THEM WALK, LET THEM RAPE, MURDER and LET THE LAWYERS EARN THEIR PAY!!!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to say hi to Judy.

Hello. How'd I do? :D

Not too good....based on all the replies. :oops:

Well I tried. I'm a little shocked not many P&P folks jumped in there. It sounds like BSO really thinks transporting is a P&P responsibility. What's going on down there? Nothing can be further from the truth.

I just wanted to say hi to Judy.

Hello. How'd I do? :D

Not too good....based on all the replies. :oops:

Well I tried. I'm a little shocked not many P&P folks jumped in there. It sounds like BSO really thinks transporting is a P&P responsibility. What's going on down there? Nothing can be further from the truth.

That is a joke isn't it. Maybe we need to go to just a statewide sales tax only abolishing the local property tax system and then the pay levels for state and local officers could be more equalized so there isnt such a big difference and then there will be plenty of money for the locals to transport violators.

A convicted robber, two drug offenders and five other people who normally would have been put behind bars went free in recent weeks — all because the Broward Sheriff's Office said it doesn't have the money to drive them to jail.

Under a new policy that the state is criticizing as dangerous and illegal, the Sheriff's Office is trying to economize by no longer transporting to jail certain people accused of violating probation, according to agency memos. The Sheriff's Office, which is bracing for budget cuts, says the Florida Department of Corrections, which oversees people on probation, needs to transport such violators on its own.

The state argues it doesn't have the training or resources and that the law requires local agencies to assist it.




The result of the stalemate: Since Feb. 1, eight people have been let go, including a convicted robber and a drug offender, both of whom tested positive for cocaine use, and a second drug offender who was delinquent in paying costs and restitution, said state Corrections spokeswoman Jo Ellyn Rackleff.

Sheriff's spokesman Jim Leljedal declined to comment on the new policy, but internal memos obtained by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provide details.

Starting this month, the Sheriff's Office stopped transporting people accused of violating probation if they were held at state probation offices outside the sheriff's normal patrol area. To obtain transport on a "priority basis" from within the patrol area, the Sheriff's Office will now require an arrest warrant for the accused violator, according to a Jan. 11 memo by Sheriff's Lt. Col. Danny Wright to Beth Atchinson, a Corrections regional director.

The problem: Probation officers with Corrections often make warrantless arrests — for instance, when people fail on-the-spot checks for drug use, possession or commit other violations. Otherwise, the officers would have to let such people go, ask a judge for a warrant, track them down again, and then have the Sheriff's Office arrest them. Rackleff said officials will seek warrants in the cases of the people let go in recent weeks.

Under the new Sheriff's Office policy, deputies will no longer transport alleged violators to jail from five locations — two state probation offices in Fort Lauderdale and others in Hollywood, Plantation and Lauderhill. It will still serve three other offices — in Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Wright wrote in his memo that the rapid expansion of the Sheriff's Office has strained resources dedicated to jail transport. The Sheriff's Office also is getting ready for further budget cuts after Florida voters on Jan. 29 approved a constitutional amendment intended to reduce property taxes.

Broward County is home to more than 20,000 probationers. Neither Corrections nor the Sheriff's Office would say how many accused probation violators are transported in Broward each year or at what cost. City police departments can also help with transport, but usually have even fewer resources.

The Sheriff's Office in 2006 warned the state it might have to cut back transports. The Sheriff's Office wanted to "give the Department sufficient time to arrange for alternative transportation," Wright wrote.

Corrections has protested, though, that it does not have the ability to take over such a large operation, nor should it have to.

"While the Department of Corrections is certainly cognizant of budgetary constraints for various agencies throughout the state, the Department believes this proposed policy is contrary to public safety and your statutory duty," former Corrections Secretary James McDonough wrote in a Jan. 25 memo to Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti.

McDonough cited state statutes that empower parole and probation officers to arrest or request the arrest of an offender "without warrant," and that require sheriffs to " apprehend, without warrant, any person disturbing the peace."

McDonough, who resigned last month, wrote in the memo that on-duty probation officers drive their personal vehicles, which are not equipped with security barriers between the front and back seats. McDonough said department policy forbids probation officers from transporting arrestees in their own cars because of the lack of such safeguards.

The Sheriff's Office has offered to let Corrections borrow patrol vehicles until the agency can buy its own — a suggestion that Corrections officials have rebuffed. In every other Florida county, Corrections depends on local law enforcement to help transport violators, Rackleff said.

If the Sheriff's Office is willing to provide DOC with transport vehicles, why aren't we jumping on this? It won't cost the Department any money to buy cars, and if given enough time, certain officers could be trained for transporting offenders. If we are provided with a patrol car that has the necessary safety equipment that would ensure officer safety, I personally thing that this is a great idea. I don't think its fair that the city police and county Sheriff's office has to take time to come to our office to transport our offenders. Just as the department is trying to save money, local law enforcement agencies are trying to save money as well.
Just my 5 cents.

shanon323

It's a lot more complicated than simply obtaining vehicles. FDLE certifies three disciplines, LEO, COs, and POs. The only two disciplines that are trained to transport are LEOs and COs, not POs. So Probation Officers are not trained/certified to transport offenders. It would take more than a change in department policy to change this, we would need FDLE to change our certification, the legislature to provide transport vehicles, and training!

Don't hold your breath!

DC could train the CPO's to transport, it's not a big deal!

CO's dont go on the driving pad in their academy and they didn't need FDLE to do anything with their certifications!

I transported arrested fugitives in a state car for many years when I was on the fugitive task force, no big deal.

Joe Papy said make it work, and we did.

SANFU=DOC

Old Fugitive Investigator

NOPE I DO NOT WANT TO TRANSPORT AND THIS IS NOT PART OF OUR JOB NOR IS CARRYING A GUN SO NO WAY, THIS IS NOT PROBATION WORK..

NOPE I DO NOT WANT TO TRANSPORT AND THIS IS NOT PART OF OUR JOB NOR IS CARRYING A GUN SO NO WAY, THIS IS NOT PROBATION WORK..

Please explain how you deserve high risk retirement. Your kind are leeches. Go work for DJJ.

DO YOU WANT TO TELL A 300 POUND NORTHERN FLORIDA RED NECK CORRECTIONS OFFICER THATS SIT AROUND ALL DAY IN ADMINISTRATION THAT THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO "HIGH RISK". FORGET THE "HIGH RISK" ARGUMENT. IF BROWARD COUNTY WANTS TO TRANSPORT THEN TAKE THEIR "CAD MONEY" AND USE IT FOR TRANSPORT?

You all know as well as I do that transportation of offenders by probation officer WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

The Department can use as an excuse that vehicles aren't available, or that it is not in the budget, etc., etc. Just like having to use your own car for field work, or having to purchase your own weapon.

It all really boils down to liability, and the Department not wanting to have to be responsible if something were to go wrong.

Just like on the prison side of things, it will have to take someone getting seriously injured or killed, like DARLA LATHREM before the Department wakes up and realizes that something has to be done.

THEN just as it happened after Darla's death, security measures will be upgraded TEMPORARILY, then the Department will fall back on the least amount of WHATEVER to get by.

Probation Officers will NEVER be allowed to transport offenders!

NOPE I DO NOT WANT TO TRANSPORT AND THIS IS NOT PART OF OUR JOB NOR IS CARRYING A GUN SO NO WAY, THIS IS NOT PROBATION WORK..

So transporting is beneath you?

You all have to understand, BUYING the vehicle is just the tip of the iceberg. What about insurance? Maintenance? Gas? Who is going to pay for that? Who is going to do it? Just because someone donates a vehicle doesn't mean it's free to operate. And honestly, I'd rather have a raise in MY pocket than a transport vehicle for the three or four active warrants/PC arrests that happen each month.

There are hundreds of probationers running around out there with active warrants; what's a few more walking out the door? Instruct them to turn themselves in. When they don't, amend the VOP. They'll be added to the "not absconder/S04" list like all the rest. Less work for everyone.

NOPE I DO NOT WANT TO TRANSPORT AND THIS IS NOT PART OF OUR JOB NOR IS CARRYING A GUN SO NO WAY, THIS IS NOT PROBATION WORK..

Please explain how you deserve high risk retirement. Your kind are leeches. Go work for DJJ.

No sh^^!

Jezzz

You all know as well as I do that transportation of offenders by probation officer WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

The Department can use as an excuse that vehicles aren't available, or that it is not in the budget, etc., etc. Just like having to use your own car for field work, or having to purchase your own weapon.

It all really boils down to liability, and the Department not wanting to have to be responsible if something were to go wrong.

Just like on the prison side of things, it will have to take someone getting seriously injured or killed, like DARLA LATHREM before the Department wakes up and realizes that something has to be done.

THEN just as it happened after Darla's death, security measures will be upgraded TEMPORARILY, then the Department will fall back on the least amount of WHATEVER to get by.

Probation Officers will NEVER be allowed to transport offenders!

I agree. They want PO's to be paper pushers!! :x

There are hundreds of probationers running around out there with active warrants; what's a few more walking out the door? .

Because the one that walks out the door could go rape a woman or child!! The public needs to be protected!

Our budget is TWO BILLION DOLLARS a year folks!!!!

Wake up, we have the money to get it done.

It's all about setting priorities, aka politics!!!

To those who say "it's not my job" go look at other states that issue state cars, and give authority to to their officers to get the job done.

Look at the DJJ youth custody officers......

http://www.djj.state.fl.us/parents/What ... ficer.html (http://www.djj.state.fl.us/parents/What_is_a_Youth_Custody_Officer.html)

If DJJ can make it happen, then DC can make it happen.

We have had probation officers that have transported arrested offenders in state cars in use by those officers. So, those who say it will never happen, to late, it has already happened in the past!!

Old Fugitive Investigator

Our budget is TWO BILLION DOLLARS a year folks!!!!

Wake up, we have the money to get it done.

It's all about setting priorities, aka politics!!!

To those who say "it's not my job" go look at other states that issue state cars, and give authority to to their officers to get the job done.

Look at the DJJ youth custody officers......

http://www.djj.state.fl.us/parents/What ... ficer.html (http://www.djj.state.fl.us/parents/What_is_a_Youth_Custody_Officer.html)

If DJJ can make it happen, then DC can make it happen.

We have had probation officers that have transported arrested offenders in state cars in use by those officers. So, those who say it will never happen, to late, it has already happened in the past!!

Old Fugitive Investigator

ya like CA, NV, MA

They will never fund it people no matter how much the want to be cops want them to. Some other states actually pay their correectional oficers officers like the local correctional officers also but that isnt happening here anytime soon either. Sorry

They will never fund it people no matter how much the want to be cops want them to. Some other states actually pay their correectional oficers officers like the local correctional officers also but that isnt happening here anytime soon either. Sorry

That spelling was bad wasn't it.

i am getting akick out of these wantabees getting so excited about transports, you still wont be a real cop. unless you leave p&p for a real cop job you will always be a doc wantabee , got it live it wantabee, you have a low grade goofy job with low pay , how bad can it be :wink: :cry: :lol:

i am getting akick out of these wantabees getting so excited about transports, you still wont be a real cop. unless you leave p&p for a real cop job you will always be a doc wantabee , got it live it wantabee, you have a low grade goofy job with low pay , how bad can it be :wink: :cry: :lol:

You are a big smelly puss

I really can't figure out why everyone is so shocked over this. As a previous poster stated, this has been going on- in some offices- in Escambia for years. It's our SO, not PD who refuses. So, those offices in the county don't get transport, those in the city limits, do. Did no one realize this was happening elsewhere?? This is old news to a lot of us.

DO YOU WANT TO TELL A 300 POUND NORTHERN FLORIDA RED NECK CORRECTIONS OFFICER THATS SIT AROUND ALL DAY IN ADMINISTRATION THAT THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO "HIGH RISK". FORGET THE "HIGH RISK" ARGUMENT. IF BROWARD COUNTY WANTS TO TRANSPORT THEN TAKE THEIR "CAD MONEY" AND USE IT FOR TRANSPORT?

HERE'S THE BEEF:

FYI the 2% who work in Administration are in front of the wire. The remaining 98% who are behind the wire most certainly deserve High Risk. They deal with more volitile situations and see more fights in a month than we see in our whole career. All you have to do is look at the Use of Force reports and Workers Comp Notice of Injury reports. The average PO would not last a month behind the wire. We would either quit, or the inmates would be running the asylum.

What I have noticed is the best work for the counties and cities. I have noticed that Florida’s agencies are sub par and look a lot less educated and the people are less attractive. There is definitely a distinction of state workers county and city workers. Not only do the county and city agencies have smarter better looking people but better work environment and better equipment, training and benefits. This is one of the reason I have been getting motivated to leave doc and get a job as a police officer or deputy sheriff. I want a more sophisticated Leo job that will provide me with better training geared towards Leos’ and more challenging Leo opportunities that increase salary. This is a great job for an intern that is in college to earn credit hours. This is not a job for a man that wants to provide for his family and have challenging real Leo job.

[quote="WHERES THE BEEF":hfzjj2q2]DO YOU WANT TO TELL A 300 POUND NORTHERN FLORIDA RED NECK CORRECTIONS OFFICER THATS SIT AROUND ALL DAY IN ADMINISTRATION THAT THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO "HIGH RISK". FORGET THE "HIGH RISK" ARGUMENT. IF BROWARD COUNTY WANTS TO TRANSPORT THEN TAKE THEIR "CAD MONEY" AND USE IT FOR TRANSPORT?

HERE'S THE BEEF:

FYI the 2% who work in Administration are in front of the wire. The remaining 98% who are behind the wire most certainly deserve High Risk. They deal with more volitile situations and see more fights in a month than we see in our whole career. All you have to do is look at the Use of Force reports and Workers Comp Notice of Injury reports. The average PO would not last a month behind the wire. We would either quit, or the inmates would be running the asylum.[/quote:hfzjj2q2]

good posting Mr. T

What I have noticed is the best work for the counties and cities. I have noticed that Florida’s agencies are sub par and look a lot less educated and the people are less attractive. There is definitely a distinction of state workers county and city workers. Not only do the county and city agencies have smarter better looking people but better work environment and better equipment, training and benefits. This is one of the reason I have been getting motivated to leave doc and get a job as a police officer or deputy sheriff. I want a more sophisticated Leo job that will provide me with better training geared towards Leos’ and more challenging Leo opportunities that increase salary. This is a great job for an intern that is in college to earn credit hours. This is not a job for a man that wants to provide for his family and have challenging real Leo job.

I don't totally agree that county and city leos are smarter

However, you are right that they get better equipment and training...AND PAY.

If yo so smart, why ain't yo rich? :P

You all have to understand, BUYING the vehicle is just the tip of the iceberg. What about insurance? Maintenance? Gas? Who is going to pay for that? Who is going to do it? Just because someone donates a vehicle doesn't mean it's free to operate. And honestly, I'd rather have a raise in MY pocket than a transport vehicle for the three or four active warrants/PC arrests that happen each month.

There are hundreds of probationers running around out there with active warrants; what's a few more walking out the door? Instruct them to turn themselves in. When they don't, amend the VOP. They'll be added to the "not absconder/S04" list like all the rest. Less work for everyone.

PLUS have you ever driven a DC vehicle??? - I would have better luck walking the offender to jail. Just what you need to break down in a state vehicle AND have an offender in the back.

With essentially no raise in 2 years I'm sure Uncle Charlie will come up with some new Crown Vic's for us with the money he saved! :lol:

I really can't figure out why everyone is so shocked over this. As a previous poster stated, this has been going on- in some offices- in Escambia for years. It's our SO, not PD who refuses. So, those offices in the county don't get transport, those in the city limits, do. Did no one realize this was happening elsewhere?? This is old news to a lot of us.


The offices in the city limits in Broward are not getting transport. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood refuse to respond. It does not matter if it is a warrantless arrest or a warrant. It also does not matter if the person is non-violent, violent or a sex offender. No one responds. They leave the office and the community is at risk. I really feel sorry for the future victims. Their fate is sealed, due to the offender not being in jail. I just hope that no one dies over this pissing match.

I really can't figure out why everyone is so shocked over this. As a previous poster stated, this has been going on- in some offices- in Escambia for years. It's our SO, not PD who refuses. So, those offices in the county don't get transport, those in the city limits, do. Did no one realize this was happening elsewhere?? This is old news to a lot of us.


The offices in the city limits in Broward are not getting transport. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood refuse to respond. It does not matter if it is a warrantless arrest or a warrant. It also does not matter if the person is non-violent, violent or a sex offender. No one responds. They leave the office and the community is at risk. I really feel sorry for the future victims. Their fate is sealed, due to the offender not being in jail. I just hope that no one dies over this pissing match.

I am writing the Governor. This is ridiculous!!

I would like them to explain not picking up the warrant people. That is nuts.

Especially since Florida Statutes require them to assist Probation.

probation is a loser job with very low pay and wantabee status :lol:

Especially since Florida Statutes require them to assist Probation.

Huh?

probation is a loser job with very low pay and wantabee status :lol:

You are obviously in love with yourself. Is it true self gratfication causes callouses? :lol:

What I have noticed is the best work for the counties and cities. I have noticed that Florida’s agencies are sub par and look a lot less educated and the people are less attractive. There is definitely a distinction of state workers county and city workers. Not only do the county and city agencies have smarter better looking people but better work environment and better equipment, training and benefits. This is one of the reason I have been getting motivated to leave doc and get a job as a police officer or deputy sheriff. I want a more sophisticated Leo job that will provide me with better training geared towards Leos’ and more challenging Leo opportunities that increase salary. This is a great job for an intern that is in college to earn credit hours. This is not a job for a man that wants to provide for his family and have challenging real Leo job.

SO LEAVE JERK WAD!

They never will. It's easier to come on here and whine about what you don't have rather than go out and get what you want. I don't get it, but whatever, right? Just pay folks like that no attention. No one else does.

[lostinspace]

How about putting the Florida Highway Patrol to good use. Since it is useually a State P&P Officer violating someone, have a State LEO transport them to the local jail. :twisted:

FHP is the most understaffed agency in Florida. Their vacancy rate is off the scale. They barely can keep enough patrols on duty to keep from going below critical. There is no way in hell they will be able to assist us. You need to do a little more research before inserting foot into mouth!!

probation is such a crappy job , only soccor mommies that have a hubby that makes the bacon can work here.

probation is such a crappy job , only soccor mommies that have a hubby that makes the bacon can work here.

and yet HERE you continue to work...

CALL YOU AT 1800-I WANTABE A COP :shock: :D :shock:

THIS JOB IS LAME O :wink:

MODS PLEASE IP BAN THE CPOS ARE WANNABEES GUY WHO USES OTHER PEOPLES REGISTERED NAMES!

[cpospec]

I am cpospec- registered on this website. My name is Jamie Walker at
04-2 and I have been a probation officer for the State of Florida for over 30 years. When I post something, I am not afraid to put my name or moniker on it. I speak my mind and tell it like it is.

Recently, several cowards have come on this site and altered my name because it is now registered and they cannot use it thanks to the advice of the moderator.

These posers are chickenshit a$$holes who have nothing better to do than trash this job. I am in DROP and proud of what I do. Is it a perfect job- hell no. But I am one of the lucky ones that works at 04-2 and treated with respect by my supervisors, I work in the Fourth Circuit and I am treated like a professional by my CA, and DCA and I work in Region I which fully supports its dedicated officers. Not everyone is as lucky as I am at this point in my career, but you posers are pissing me off trying to use my name to trash this organization.

If you want a peice of me, call me at 904 448-4354 and man up to your childish behavior. If you are not man enough to face a 52 year old bad a$$, shut up and quit posing as me on this site. Use your own name when trashing someone or DC because that is not my style. I try to be part of the solution, not the problem!! CPO and PROUD.

I am cpospec- registered on this website. My name is Jamie Walker at
04-2 and I have been a probation officer for the State of Florida for over 30 years. When I post something, I am not afraid to put my name or moniker on it. I speak my mind and tell it like it is.

Recently, several cowards have come on this site and altered my name because it is now registered and they cannot use it thanks to the advice of the moderator.

These posers are chickenshit a$$holes who have nothing better to do than trash this job. I am in DROP and proud of what I do. Is it a perfect job- hell no. But I am one of the lucky ones that works at 04-2 and treated with respect by my supervisors, I work in the Fourth Circuit and I am treated like a professional by my CA, and DCA and I work in Region I which fully supports its dedicated officers. Not everyone is as lucky as I am at this point in my career, but you posers are pissing me off trying to use my name to trash this organization.

If you want a peice of me, call me at 904 448-4354 and man up to your childish behavior. If you are not man enough to face a 52 year old bad a$$, shut up and quit posing as me on this site. Use your own name when trashing someone or DC because that is not my style. I try to be part of the solution, not the problem!! CPO and PROUD.

YOU ARE THE MAN JAMIE. I HOPE HE CALLS YOU AND YOU SPANK HIS 13 YEAR OLD PUNK A$S. OBVIOUSLY HIS MOMMY DOESN'T DO IT ENOUGH!!

haaaaa

cry baby, bo hooo :lol:

30 yrs as a doc employee says it all and its nothing to brag about..

wow :shock:

how much do you make with 30 years?

[cpospec]

Almost $60,000 plus $2,600 monthly in my DROP account. I was lucky to be around in the old days when raises were 10% and got 14% in merit pay when they doled it out for performance evaluations. New officers will never achieve that type of salary and that is why the bright ones leave for better paying jobs. I happen to enjoy what I do and have stuck with it through the good and the bad. I am in a very good situation right now with my chain of command being very supportive and I know not everyone has that luck. Maybe that is why I am still around.

I help a lot of officers at 04-2 with their income taxes on Turbo tax and I am appalled at their low salaries. Most make $25,000 less than I do. Sad but true!!

30yrs 60k thats low and very low... 30yr top out at 60k now i know why so many leave. heck the local police & sheriff both top out in 10 at 63 and of course that is the base no allowances/ot or detail pay and they have step so they keep on climbing and of course special unit pay longivity pay. the list goes on. i can say that i will never work at doc for only 60k.

The City of Jacksonville (Duval County) is home to over 850,000 residents. Every individual, family and neighborhood looks to every JSO police officer to provide leadership, protection and a true dedication to community service. A police officer's base salaries are determined by a 17 year career path. Officers start at $35,568 annually, reaching $53,676 after six years :shock: and $61,296 after 17 years :D . Sergeants reach $70,584 after 17 years with lieutenants reaching $82,932. These base salaries typically increase every year in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. In addition, those in the police ranks are eligible to earn an additional $3,360 annually in education incentives :shock: . Other premium pay include shift differential, working out-of-classification, state career incentives for advanced training, etc. If you would like to have a police recruiter contact you for further information, click here. If becoming a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office appeals to you, we urge you to apply today.

Qualifications and Benefits (requires a free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Salary - $35,568; $37,440 after training; $40,752 after successful completion of one year of service from date of hire.

Police Recruiters:
JSOrecruiter@jaxsheriff.org
(904) 713-4870

How about putting the Florida Highway Patrol to good use. Since it is useually a State P&P Officer violating someone, have a State LEO transport them to the local jail. :twisted:

Its a thought but it will never happen. They are so short right now plus I am sure they do not want to do it.

The City of Miami Police Department offers police officers many benefits that are competitive with other law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Competitive Salary. (starting salary of $44,592)
Periodic cost of living and performance-based pay increases.

:shock: Automatic 2.5% pay increases every 6 months for the first 7 years. :shock:

Multiple longevity increases for 11 ,13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 years of service. :shock:
Employee pension plan.
Health insurance coverage.
Voluntary deferred compensation plan.
Life insurance.
Opportunities for promotional advancement.
Take-home vehicle program.
Eleven paid holidays.
Annual Leave (vacation, ill time, holidays, personal days, bereavement).
Tuition reimbursement program.
Ongoing training opportunities.
State funded educational incentives.
Military leave.
Direct payroll deposit program.
Uniform/clothing allowance.
Employee credit union.

wow thats sweet 5 percent raise every year on top of ylour step increase and longivity, unreal, and i am lucky if i get a 2.5 raise every year not to mention their starting pay is more then i make as a 11 year cpo :cry: