Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, TN—February 28th, 2015
FROM THE DESK OF JIM HAMMOND
In this issue:
Sheriff Hammond,
Pages 1-2
Branum’s Briefs,
Pages 3-4
Cottontail
Commentary, Page 4
Promotions, Page 5
Technology and News,
Pages 6-7
Corrections, Page 8
Chaplain, Page 10
What’s Cookin’,
Page 11
I want to substitute my article
this month with a message from
Director Bennett about a new
program we are considering.
WE ARE NOT BULLET PROOF
(The Blurred Blue Line)
You don’t need me to tell you
that alcohol abuse among the
law enforcement and corrections
communities is a serious and
widespread problem. No, my
message to you is not just about
alcohol abuse, for which there
are volumes of information read-
ily available, but to introduce
you to a new program I would
like us to consider.
Some studies estimate this type
of abuse affects at least a fourth
of all officers in the U.S. Across
occupational lines, we are espe-
cially susceptible because of
“stress issues.” Health risks
associated with officer stress in-
clude weight gain, insomnia, gas-
tric conditions and heart disease.
Several studies have corroborat-
ed that our work is ranked
among the highest occupations
for work-related stress.
The problems and stressors fac-
ing law enforcement, especially
in this age when law enforce-
ment on the whole is undergoing
paradigm changes in how it
serves society, present a daunt-
ing challenge to mental health
providers. As alcoholism rates
continue to rise, there is great
need for initiatives that can over-
come the typical barriers of sus-
picion and cynicism that serve to
insulate and isolate our officers.
Contrasted with most EAPs who
typically employ mental health
clinicians to work with officers,
the New York City Police Depart-
ment has employed a strategy of
using it’s own to help it’s own.
The Police Organization Provid-
ing Peer Assistance (POPPA)
Continued next page
2 The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015
program, launched in 1995,
is staffed by trained inter-
vention volunteers recruited
from the ranks of the city’s
38,000-member police force
who operate a 24-hour, con-
fidential helpline for officers.
Now this is what really
gained my interest: The
NYPD reports their helpline
receives over 1,000 calls per
year. And about 75% of
those calls result in a face-to-
face offsite meeting between
the caller and a peer counse-
lor from the agency. The
counselors lend a sympa-
thetic ear, and if necessary,
provide referrals to outside
providers.
The program’s rationale is
that “it takes a cop to know a
cop,” so a troubled officer is
more likely to open up to
someone who has experi-
enced police stress himself
or herself . And we all know
that most officers typically
do not seek help because
they do not wish to appear
“weak or vulnerable” to their
peers. Now, please under-
stand I am not against using
our EAP; they have proven
useful with some of our
county employees, but I be-
lieve the NYPD’s program is
a pretty good model to con-
sider, don’t you?
Law enforcement officers
have traditionally been held
to a higher ethical standard
than their civilian counter-
parts - and I believe we
should be. Unfortunately,
there are always a few unsa-
vory officers who have and
will continue to tarnish the
image of law enforcement.
I’d say I’m not alone in be-
lieving this is due in part to
the common portrayal of of-
ficers depicted in movies and
television as burned out, al-
coholic cops who are often
corrupt individuals whose
aim is to hurt rather than
help civilians.
Now for the new program
we are considering. We are
in discussions now with two
retired HCSO employees
with past military histories
who have survived the chal-
lenges of alcoholism and
want to offer their help to
any others in our HCSO fami-
ly. As they put it to me for
our people, “We have been
there and done that. So,
stand tall and let’s talk.”
Yes, we can all help each oth-
er to some extent, but offic-
ers must first be willing to
accept the help being of-
fered. I know our sheriff
wants the needs of all our
HCSO employees to be con-
sidered. That involves not
only our salaries, benefits
and work conditions but our
physical and psychological
welfare as well.
I believe a program modeled
after New York’s can work
here for us. What do you
think? We could start with
our two retirees and see how
that progresses. I will have
more information to give to
you about this new program
as we continue to work on
the details. In the meantime,
I encourage you to contact
me with your comments
about this program at
(423-443-0913, or
Thank you.
(Credit is given to The Milestone Group
LLC and the Journal of Law Enforcement,
Vol. 2, for some of the information here.)
Director Bennett
The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015 3
Leadership Briefs With Chief Deputy Allen Branum
LEADERSHIP EARNED
1. TREAT EVERYONE WITH
DIGNITY, RESPECT AND
COURTESY
Value the inherent worth of
each person with whom you
have contact. Appreciate the
fact that others’ dreams, goals
and feelings of self-worth are
just as important to them as
yours are to you. Adopt the
mindset that being “a superi-
or” does not mean that you
are superior … and behave
accordingly!
2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
Model the work performance,
attendance, and conduct that
you expect from others. Show
people, through your daily be-
haviors, what it means to have
integrity, a strong work ethic
and an unyielding commitment
to your organization’s mission
and values. WALK THE TALK!
3. BE FIRM, FAIR AND
CONSISTENT
Avoid playing favorites. Hold
everyone – including yourself –
equally accountable for follow-
ing ALL rules and regulations,
exhibiting appropriate behav-
ior, meeting ALL job responsi-
bilities and achieving desired
results.
4. “OWN UP” TO YOUR
SHORTCOMINGS
Avoid cover ups. If you make a
mistake, admit it - and then fix
it! If you don’t know some-
thing, admit it - and then find
out about it! And, if you’re
holding an employee accounta-
ble for a wrong doing that you
yourself committed in the past
– and he or she calls you on it –
respond with: “That’s true. I
did do that. And I was wrong,
back then, just like you’re
wrong now.”
5. FOCUS ON THEIR SUCCESS
Provide everyone on your team
with the information, direction,
resources, feedback and sup-
port they need to be successful.
Create/seize opportunities for
team members to learn, grow
and develop. Be a teacher; be a
coach.
6. GET THEM INVOLVED
Whenever practical and appro-
priate, involve employees in
decision making, plan develop-
ment and problem solving. So-
licit their suggestions, ideas
and options. Delegate tasks and
responsibilities and hold them
accountable for the outcome.
7. LISTEN
Hone your listening skills. Fo-
cus on understanding the mes-
sages your team members (and
others) send to you. Demon-
strate, by your listening behav-
iors, that you care what others
think, feel and have to say.
8. SHOW YOUR
APPRECIATION
Acknowledge and thank em-
ployees for their efforts and
contributions. Let team mem-
bers know that good work is
truly important – and that
good workers are valued and
appreciated. Celebrate achieve-
ment!
9. RESPECT THEIR TIME
Remember that your team
members have important
10 Ways to Be the Kind of Leader Others Want to Follow:
Continued next page
4 The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015
THE ROLL CALL IS PUBLISHED
EXCLUSIVELY BY THE HAMILTON
COUNTY SHERIFF’S
OFFICE LOCATED AT
600 MARKET STREET,
CHATTANOOGA, TN 37402
(423) 209-7000
FAX: (423) 209-7001
THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR IS
G. A. BENNETT. THE OPERA-
TIONAL EDITOR & PUBLISHER IS
JOHN E. WATERS.
CONTRIBUTING TO
THIS ISSUE ARE:
JANICE ATKINSON,
G.A. BENNETT,
ALLEN BRANUM,
JIM HAMMOND,
JOHN WATERS AND
SHANNON WILSON
The Cotton Tail Commentary by John Waters
A recent terrorist threat to bomb the Mall Of The
Americas in Bloomington, Minnesota, raised a few law
enforcement antennae. Other mall owners beefed up
security - and the story faded with yesterday’s news. Yet, while
Bloomington is nearly a thousand miles away up I-24, such threats
are possible - perhaps even here. Going the other way on I-24 in
our state, animosity toward the building of a mosque occurred with
suspected arson. I asked a Jewish friend of mine if the folks in his
local synagogue were afraid, given the history of anti-Semitism
world wide. His response was unsettling. “I think the added secu-
rity is just so much window dressing. Those guys could at least get
out of the car once in a while and look around.” Should anyone visit
the mall in Amman, Jordan, they would have to go past a series of
barricades and security just to get into the parking garage! The
same thing is true if one tried to go out for a meal at a nice hotel.
Limited movement? Perhaps, but the people don’t seem to mind
the added protection. Heightened vigilance here is necessary. Law
enforcement must continue to focus on who the threatening people
and organizations are. As my Jewish friend suggested, we can ill-
afford to have window dressing protection while someone drives a
car bomb through the window of a mall, synagogue or daycare.
priorities to manage. Don’t expect them to drop what-
ever they’re doing every time you want something or
whenever you feel the need for a meeting. Be a help
rather than a hindrance when it comes to employee
time management.
10. DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
When you see or hear of something that requires at-
tention, jump in and deal with it. Don’t procrastinate
or offer excuses for not dealing with issues – especial-
ly those that are difficult or distasteful. No one wants
to follow a leader who shies away from the tough
stuff and fails to take care of business.
(Excerpts from the book: Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow
AB
Good Boss
Great listener
Communicator
Courageous
Sense of
humor
Shows
empathy
Decisive
Takes
responsibility
Humble
Shares
authority
Bad Boss
Blank wall
Doubter
Secretive
Intimidating
Bad temper
Self-centered
Indecisive
Blames
Arrogant
Mistrusts
(copied)
The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015 5
Pictured: Captain Bill Johnson, Detective
Mickey Rountree and Sheriff Jim Hammond.
Deputy Mickey Rountree, who recently was
promoted to the rank of Detective, received
his new badge from Captain Bill Johnson at
the weekly staff meeting held on February 19,
2015.
Congratulations, Detective Rountree.
Pictured are Deputy Wesley Chambers, his
wife and daughter along with his father, Chris
Chambers.
Corrections Officer Wesley Chambers was re-
cently promoted to the rank of Corporal.
He received his corporal’s chevrons at the
staff meeting held on February 19, 2015 and
was pinned by his father, retired HCSO Lieu-
tenant Chris Chambers.
Congratulations Corporal Chambers.
Pictured from left to right: Pam Hargis, Ser-
geant John Hargis, Brittany Hargis and Sheriff
Jim Hammond.
Corrections Corporal John Hargis was recent-
ly promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was
pinned by his wife, Pam and daughter, Britta-
ny at the weekly staff meeting held on Febru-
ary 19, 2015.
Congratulations Sergeant Hargis.
Promotions
Submitted by Janice Atkinson
6 The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015
In The News - Law Enforcement New: autonomous reconnaissance vehicle
Reconnaissance vehicles are
designed to operate in rugged
and remote terrain. For this
reason, the design has focused
a great deal of attention to op-
erator ergonomics and work-
ing environment. The vehicle’s
system integrate with several
cameras, a radar system and
GPS. It also features real-time
transmission and relay to a
“man in the loop.”
Aside from its civilian uses,
the various security and HLS
uses or missions this autono-
mous vehicle is suited for are
many and varied. They range
from gather visual intelli-
gence, border patrol, artillery
support, target tracking, polic-
ing and control. These vehicles
can also be armored against
light firearms as well as be fit-
ted with reactive armor.
This vehicle is based on a 4X4
platform, in order to enable
maneuverability in any envi-
ronment, including rugged
terrain. It comprises numer-
ous and essential innovations,
rendering it a truly new re-
connaissance vehicle, rather
than a traditional observation
van. These innovations range
from logistic, operational and
maintenance survivability to
streamlined operation
by a small team of two.
The vehicle’s v230 cur-
rent electric supply
comes from a light gen-
erator. In addition, there
are two deep-cycle bat-
teries, which serve as a
mobile “battery bank”
and can be charged
when the car is running,
whether during routine
or operational modes.
The vehicle also features
V12 and V24, as well as
current stabilization to
safeguard sensitive elec-
tronic equipment
onboard.
Electric pistons serve as
vehicle stabilizers. They
are capable of detaching
it from the ground and
level it using an auto-
matic, electronically
controlled system.
This smart system
knows how to adjust the
car’s levelling to different ter-
rains, in accordance with the
mission venue. This is a major
innovation, since hitherto, ob-
servation vehicles have fea-
tured heavy, expensive sys-
tems of hydraulic pistons.
This innovative electric hy-
draulic system comes on at a
touch of a button in the frame-
work of operational modes.
iHLS News
The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015 7
Resilient Technologies’ Non Pneumatic
Tire Tires are akin to that old nursery
rhyme that begins with, “For want of a
nail the shoe was lost” and ends with, “For
want of a battle the kingdom was lost.”
Working tires mean the difference be-
tween a successful mission and one that
goes bust, along with all the repercus-
sions. Now, a new type of an airless tire
might make a real difference. The recently
unveiled tire may soon be used by securi-
ty and police forces in the US and world-
wide.
The feasibility of the new bullet proof tire
was first showcased a few years ago – but
now, it nears wide use by military and se-
curity forces. The new tire was jointly
developed by the University of Wisconsin
-Madison and a local company based in
nearby Wausau. The team came up with a
37-inch, bullet proof Humvee tire based
on a polymeric web. It’s so cool looking,
there’s no need for hub caps.
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory
awarded a four-year contract to Resilient Tech-
nologies and Wisconsin-Madison’s Polymer En-
gineering Center to continue the development
and testing of the NPT – “non-pneumatic
tire” (no air required).
This tire is designed to support the weight of
add-on armor, survive an IED (Improvised Ex-
plosive Device) attack, and still make a 50 mph
getaway. It is basically a round honeycomb
wrapped with a thick, black tread.
The military wants an alternative to the current
Humvee “run flat” tires, which despite their
name, still need a minimal amount of air pres-
sure to roll. These tires might still leave troops
stranded after being shot at or blown out.
The patent-pending design mimics the precise,
six-sided cell pattern found in a honeycomb. Ac-
cording to the developers, it best duplicates the
“ride feel” of pneumatic tires. iHLS news
New Technology For First Responders New honeycomb tire good for times when there are natural
disasters, rough terrain or terrorist attacks
8 The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015
On September 26, 2014, Corrections Depu-
ties Jonathan Walker, Rodney Lee, Krystl
Wofford and civilian employee, Veronica
Elliot discovered that two arrestees had
been transported to the Hamilton County
Jail under mistaken identities by two dif-
ferent agencies. Deputies Wofford and
Walker made the initial discoveries. Using
the fingerprint identification system, Depu-
ty Lee found the identify of one of the ar-
restees had been due to a mistaken identity
and one arrestee was arrested on a war-
rant for his twin brother. However the
twin brother had two different FBI num-
bers which Ms. Elliot verified. The errors
were corrected and reported to their supe-
riors and the other agencies were notified.
Deputies Walker, Lee, Wofford and civilian
employee Elliot exemplify the role of dedi-
cated public servants and are in keeping
with the highest standards of the Hamilton
County Sheriff ’s Office. Pictured on the
right are Sheriff Hammond with Deputies
Lee, Walker and civilian employee Elliot.
Not present for the presentation and pic-
ture was Deputy Krystl Wofford.
Congratulations Deputies Walker, Lee, Wof-
ford and civilian employee Elliot.
Certificates of Commen-dation and Challenge
Coin Presentations
The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015 9
During the week of June 6-14,
2014, the Hamilton County
Sheriff’s Office teamed with
the local TDOC Probation and
Parole Office for an under-
cover/plain clothes operation
at the Riverbend venue to
check for compliance of sex
offenders assigned to both the
TDOC and the Sheriff’s Office
for monitoring. Four sex of-
fenders were arrested within
the venue site and warrants
were obtained on two addi-
tional offenders. During this
operation, Deputy Jessica
White was essential to the
success of the mission.
Through Deputy White’s at-
tentiveness and knowledge of
the registered sex offenders in
Hamilton County, she was
personally able to identify
three offenders inside the
venue resulting in their ar-
rests. Deputy White’s com-
mitment to duty and high
standard of excellence de-
serve recognition. She exem-
plifies the role of a dedicated
public servant and is in keep-
ing with he highest standards
of the Hamilton County Sher-
iff’s Office.
Accordingly, a Certificate of
Commendation and Sheriff’s
Challenge Coin were awarded
to Deputy Jessica White.
Presented by Jim Hammond,
Sheriff and Allen Branum,
Chief Deputy
Detective Jimmy Higdon 2014
Certificate of Commendation and Challenge Coin Presented To Deputy Jessica White
Continued next page
Certificates of Commendation and Challenge Coins were awarded this month for the Annual “Guns & Hoses”
Battle of the Badges for both 2013 and 2014
Those who participated as fighters in the 2013 Annual
“Guns & Hoses” Battle of the Badges were Jimmy Higdon,
Blake Kilpatrick, Kelly Felix and Demetrius Johnson.
Those who participated as fighters in the 2014 Annual
“Guns & Hoses” Battle of the Badges were Jimmy Higdon,
Blake Kilpatrick, Kyle Odom and Robert Starnes.
Each of these fighters exemplify the role of a dedicated public
servant and are in keeping with the highest standard of the Ham-
ilton County Sheriff’s Office. Accordingly, these Certificates of
Commendation and Sheriff’s Challenge Coins were awarded to
each of the fighters mentioned above.
This yearly event between local firefighters and law enforcement Deputy Demetrius Johnson 2013
10 The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015
personnel has brought great pride to our
agency as well as a valuable contribution to
the YMCA –YCAP West Side Boxing Club, a de-
linquency prevention program and the For-
gotten Child Fund, a Christmas charity of the
firefighters and law enforcement officers.
Our HCSO fighters this year helped the “Guns
& Hoses” Battle of the Badges to generate
profit proceeds of $13,000 which was divid-
ed equally between these two charities.
Director Bennett
As I write this, I feel a bit dis-
connected. For the last few
months I have been unable to
tend to my responsibilities at
the sheriffs office. I have been
dealing with an eyesight issue
that has limited my involve-
ment. That being said, I am
happy to report that I am recov-
ering after a corrective surgery
and will be back to full capacity
soon.
During this difficult time I was
encouraged by many of my fel-
low chaplains and friends in the
sheriffs office. For that I say
thank you. Thank you for the
time you give, not only to me
but to our community. Thank
you for keeping us safe, for run-
ning towards danger and not
from it. Thanks is really what
this short article is about - say-
ing thanks to the men and
women at the Hamilton County
Sheriffs Office for all that you
do.
Keep up the good work and
know that what you're doing
makes a difference.
Chaplain Allen Lindon
A day in the life of
a chaplain
The Roll Call, February 28th, 2015 11
What’s Cookin’ @ HCSO!
Comfort Food
MINI MEATLOAF
INGREDIENTS: 1 egg 3/4 cup milk 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup quick cooking oats 1 teaspoon salt 1 pound ground beef 2/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, cheese, oats and salt. Add the ground beef,
mixing well, and form this mixture into eight miniature meatloaves. Place these in a
lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Stir thor-
oughly and spread over each meatloaf.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
"A meatloaf mixture of ground beef, cheese and
quick-cooking oats is formed into individually sized
loaves. They are glazed with a sauce of ketchup,
brown sugar and mustard."
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and peas.
YUM!
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour
Servings: 8