I read in the paper this past week that the PBSO wants to add a few more deputies to the Wellington sub-station. Of course this would add about $750,000 to the Village's budget. And in times of reducing tax revenues, could this be a burden?
I don't think so. Law and order is always a key issue for politicians and this one will cause more debate. But I support this increase in the Sheriff's budget for a few good reasons.
Maybe a short story will help you understand. A few weeks ago I was out for a morning walk and I saw not one or two Sheriff's cruisers driving around my development, but five of them. That's right, five.
I was stopped by one and was told there was a burglary in the neighborhood and they were searching for two suspects. The K-9 units lost the trail and they were looking for them. Unfortuantely, I didn't see anyone and couldn't help.
Then just the other day I saw a Sheriff pull up to one of my neighbor's homes and get out. What happened was eye-opening. Apparently someone walked into their garage and even attempted to enter the home. While they were there! Not good.
They had one or two things stolen and were filling out a police report.
Just some bored teenagers the deputy said. But still, just a little unnerving.
So, make sure you keep your garage doors closed and your doors locked, even when you are home. Keep your families safe. And don't present an easy target of opportunity.
One portion of this new budget is for traffic enforcement. And I have to say this is something we desperately need.
The utter disregard for traffic laws in Wellington is getting out of control. And, as adults, if we can not obey them, perhaps the Sheriff's office will help us.
As parents we are the primary role models for our kids. And they really pay attention to what we do. Especially when it comes to driving.
If you speed through the Village, expect your children to do so as well.
If you run red lights or roll through stop signs, expect your children to do so as well.
If you do not use your turn signals when you change lanes or make a turn, expect your children to do so as well.
If you tailgate and exhibit road rage, expect your children to do so as well.
We set the example and need to make sure we do. Now, I am not saying that I am perfect, but I try each and every day. It really is easy to obey traffic laws when a deputy is right behind you. The true test is making sure you do it when that deputy is not there.
And speaking of role models, our deputies need to make sure they obey the laws they are paid to enforce. This is probably my biggest pet peeve with law enforcement. Let me give you an example.
About two weeks ago I was driving in another municipality and saw something that really made me shake my head and reduced the respect I had for this particular officer.
I was sitting in one of the two left turn lanes (turn signal blazing away, btw) with a police car about six or so cars back. We had been through one signal cycle already and with the dump trucks ahead of us in both lanes (another pet peeve), it was doubtful we were going to get through on the next cycle as well.
So what does the police officer (not a Sheriff's Deputy) do? Pulls out into the leftmost through lane, pause, throw on his lights and siren, and then make the left turn. Uncalled for in my opinion.
Before you say, well he/she (I am not saying which) was probably on the way to a call. Doubtful, unless this municipality has changed its uniforms to wifebeaters and backwards baseball caps. Maybe we should just not allow our law enforcement officers to have take home cars to reduce or eliminate this temptation.
I'm not saying all deputies and police officers do this. As in most things in life, a few bad apples spoil it for the rest of us.
So, call the Council members and support the budget for the Sheriff's office. I think, in the end, we will all feel more secure.