Page 9 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2018

#1 - When the United States de-escalated the Iraq War, many weapons, military techniques, and training came home to our civilian police forces, including war veterans who joined local law enforcement. What impact has that training, equipment, and those military-trained police of cers had on how the Sonoma County Sheriff’s department functions?
Ernesto Olivares
John Mutz
First let’s begin by honoring the tremendous sacrifice and courage of our veterans. For decades our vets have fought in difficult situations for poorly defined outcomes, and then often they find themselves without the support
they need when they get home. This is truly inexcusable, and especially important to address given that at the moment we have leadership committed to escalation, rather than diplomacy and de-escalation.
The effect that 9/11 and the Iraq War have had on our communities is as substantial as the effect on Law Enforcement. Our founding principles should encourage us to always be moving towards greater understanding and inclusivity. Now there is certainly a broad swath of the country that has given into fear, or have used the 9/11 attack and the subsequent wars as an excuse to revive the deeper rivers of intolerance, bigotry and distrust. When we’re looking at impacts on law enforcement, this plays a fundamental role in the gulf of distrust many communities feel with law enforcement.
The militarized influence, coupled with increased fear, has led many agencies to consider weaponry and equipment as a first recourse, rather than engagement and dialogue — which is why as Sheriff of Sonoma County, I will not accept military weapons or equipment from
the Federal Government. We are first and foremost responsible for the safety of our local communities, and that safety comes, more than anything, from the relationships we develop and the partnership we foster within the community (rather than being heavily armed).
The current national emphasis on militarism in Law Enforcement training, tactics and psychology is not a direction I’d support in Sonoma County. This misdirection undermines the Sheriff’s Office role of “protecting and serving,” especially
in communities of color or disenfranchised neighborhoods.
The camaraderie, discipline under pressure, bravery and teamwork skills learned in military service can be assets. And it’s important that our veterans get the ongoing support and assistance they need to address the extraordinarily difficult circumstances they’ve faced. Ongoing training in general, for all of our Deputies, is key. It’s not easy to face life-threatening situations and training is absolutely critical. As Sheriff, I will ensure that training in the field and in the jail emphasizes strong interpersonal skills, mindfulness, self- control and confidence to more effectively engage with challenging calls for service and the difficult circumstances deputies face on a regular basis.
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I do not have enough information on the impacts of military training, equipment, and military-trained staff on how the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office functions, primarily because the Sheriff’s Office
lacks sufficient transparency. However, it is my goal to work in partnership with the community,
Mark Essick
the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO), employees, community organizations, and many of the recommendations outlined in the 2016 Presidents Report on 21st Century Policing to regularly evaluate the training needs of the Sheriff’s Office and to make necessary changes
Mark was unable to meet our deadline before press time. Please attend the candidate forums scheduled from now until the election. This is an IMPORTANT election - Please REGISTER & VOTE! Look for Mark’s
I will implement real-time data sources to show on- going metrics related to crime data, policy changes,
use of force, personnel complaints, commendations and other relevant data with an annual report summarizing key findings for the community. I will develop a strong collaboration with, and support the mission of IOLERO and its Community Advisory Council. I will also commit to making policies available on the Sheriff’s Office website.
There have been many articles written about the “Militarization” of police. We must understand that surplus military equipment varies from floatation vests, binoculars, ballistic shields, body armor, nigh- vision goggles, automatic rifles, armored vehicles and other equipment.
While we must ensure our law enforcement professionals have the tools and resources they
need to protect themselves and the community, we must ensure there is transparency and community engagement the type of equipment obtained and in how the equipment will be used. For example, in Salinas California, the police department had acquired a surplus armored military vehicle for law enforcement use. By engaging the community and other stakeholders, the chief developed a policy in which the vehicle would only be used for rescue operations and not as an assault vehicle. There was also a requirement for the documentation and reporting of circumstances under which it is used. In developing and adopting policies and strategies, Law enforcement agencies should ensure they reinforce the importance of community engagement in managing public safety.
As it relates to the hiring of military veterans,
they will be treated similar to any applicant and not be discriminated against because of their military service. They will undergo the same background investigation including psychological testing, medical exam, and polygraph as other applicants. They will also be subject to the same processes I have outlined in question #2 to determine their suitability for employment.
Finally, I must ensure Sheriff’s Office employees have access to current training and education resources for their personal and professional development including leadership training for all department personnel.
answers to these questions on our website @
SonomaCountyGazette.com
Sheriff Candidate
FORUMS
APRIL 12 ~ Cannabis Debate
co-hosted by Citizens for Responsible Access (CRA), Americans for Safe Access – Sonoma County Chapter (ASA) and Sonoma County Growers Alliance (SCGA). Sonoma County residents are invited to attend this FREE, one-of-a-kind event and hear each candidate share his vision for enforcement of the new local and state cannabis regulations. 5:30 to
April 12 ~ KBBF Sheriff
Candidate Forum at Santa Rosa Junior College on Wednesday, from 2-5pm. TBA for which building. UPDATES: KBBF Facebook page & kbbf-fm.org website.
May 4 - Hosted by Indivisible
7 pm at the Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave.,in Santa Rosa. Immediately following the debate, there will be a chance to mingle with the candidates 7 to 8 pm, with complimentary light refreshments. Paid parking is available behind the Glaser Center.
Petaluma 6 PM - 8 PM at St Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty St, Petaluma. This forum is organized by the following groups: North Bay Organizing Project, Indivisible and North Bay Rapid Response Network. Change is long over due and for the first time, this county will get to elect their NEXT sheriff. This is a great opportunity to engage and listen to each candidate on what their stances are in issues. Primaries are June 5th.
Index cards will be provided at the entrance for folks to write down their questions for the candidates. We will also have a voter registration booth. Spanish head sets for translation. ASL Child care will be provided
Primaries are June 5th
to ensure the safety of officers and citizens and to promote strong relationships with the community we serve. This includes enhanced training in procedural justice and other fundamental practices of community policing.