In December I did a blog post on the police presence at the Boardwalk.
The blog post went into the question of Bossier City providing regularly assigned officers to assist private security.
It appears that is about to change. Effective July 10th, according to my sources, the officers will be reassigned to street duty and only one full time officer, a sergeant, will be assigned to the Boardwalk as a liaison officer. Other officers, of course, will be available for backup as needed, as they would in any other situation.
I'm told that members of the city council suggested the change in order to get more officers on patrol in the city.
I'm also told that John Good has a meeting scheduled with Mayor Walker to discuss the situation. Obviously, from what I hear, he is not a happy camper.
My information is from a couple of second hand sources. As with most announcements that come out on a Friday, particularly on a three day weekend, it is difficult to verify until the following week. That's why they release it on Friday.
I will attempt to verify this and get complete information on Tuesday.
Of course John Good is mad, he's not getting what he paid for. Right Mr. Mayor?
ReplyDeleteYour story is accurate. It will be interestingcwhat kind if spin they will put on it but bottom line, the boardwalk will now become South Park Mall.
ReplyDeleteIf the city council suggested it then it wouldn't surprise me. Stupid decisions to try and fix previous stupid decisions. I suggest this to any one of you council members. Go to the boardwalk on Friday or Saturday night and you will see the results of this stupid decision. And when someone gets shot or killed down there it will be on you.
ReplyDeleteHey ANON @ 3:00PM, THE CITY COUNCIL HAS NOT SUGGESTED TO ANYONE AS TO MY KNOWLEDGE ABOUT REMOVING THE OFFICERS FROM THE BOARDWALK. JOHN GOODE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BOARDWALK EXCEPT COLLECT RENT. BUT I GUARANTEE YOU I WILL FIND OUT
ReplyDeleteBubba,
ReplyDeleteI don't know who suggested it but the fact remains that there will not be any police officers assigned to the boardwalk and that is stupid. The reason for it is because the police are so short-handed on the streets. Now that is because of the city council.
Bubba,
ReplyDeleteI don't know who suggested it but the fact remains that there will not be any police officers assigned to the boardwalk and that is stupid. The reason for it is because the police are so short-handed on the streets. Now that is because of the city council.
I remember ROFLMAO a few years ago when John Good was on tv talking about how their dress codes was to keep a "family atmosphere" at the boardwalk. As he used this buzzword over and over, I kept thinking that maybe Hooters is the atmosphere of his family but not mine. But what does this lying crook have to do with the boardwalk now after they have defaulted on their loan??? I thought it was sold at a sheriff's sale.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 6:05, Again your wrong. The Mayor wanted to layoff 40 Police and 40 Firemen. We finally got 4 votesto kill his budget and make our own. Besides the people in the academy, we layed off 1 police officer and 7 Firemen and most of those were a secretary, communications, and a mechanic. How soon we forget. When you post a comment please make it a truthful statement.
ReplyDeleteBubba,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have a member of the city council clarify these things and make sure the truth is spread. Often, from media sources, the public gets skewed views of what is happening in Bossier City. I once believed that the police had been cut by forty officers as well, as per the media, but an email conversation with David Jones helped clarify the situation. Good going for being accessible and telling the truth. *thumbs up*
I just confirmed the Police Officers will be pulled from the Boardwalk. These officers will go in the Patrol Division. When there are special events at the Boardwalk, we will supplement it with reserve officers and use active duty police officers funded through grants.
ReplyDeleteDon, you are always very forthcoming, as is David Jones. The administration could take a lesson - just put the information out to the public, whatever it is, before all the speculation starts.
ReplyDeleteBubba Williams for Mayor!
ReplyDeleteGood job Buba! Thanks for the info! I would definately vote for you for mayor!
ReplyDeleteBubba @7:25,
ReplyDeleteI am not wrong. My comment was the police are short-handed and the city council was responsible. I never said anything about layoffs. You may have only laid 1 police and 7 firemen but what you guys came up the plan and approved it that the police would reduce their manpower by 40 people through retirements and attrition. It had to be done by Dec. 31, 2010 or there would have been layoffs to get down to y'all "magic number". The department was down more than 40 by July. You guys then approved to hire 4 officers. The department has since lost more than 4 people since they have been hired. So it matter how you spin it your responsible. But you are correct. The mayor is just as responsible.
But since your on here explaining things. Why dont you explain the "Communication Director" you guys voted on to create and how dispatchers make more than police officers now. Tell everyone Jimmy Hall's part in that.
Evidently you are in the KNOW inside the department so you really must know the communications department was in shambles with absolutely no one in charge and no one wanted to be in charge. No one was qualified even to answer the phone must less be a dispatcher. You have to have someone in charge and someone to answer to. The majority of the ispatchers are now CERTIFIED and not sending police officers to the wrong houses because they were clueless. Just like everyone else, when you get certified in your job usually there is some kind of incentive pay. ( USAULLY )
ReplyDeleteBubba,
ReplyDeleteTo say dispatch was in shambles is going a little overboard. To say they weren't qualified to answer phones is really insulting. But let's say your assessment is correct. With the exception of a communications director and a few new hires, we still have the same dispatchers. They attended a class which lasted a couple of night and upon completion of this class, they received a $600.00 a month raise. That's one hell of an incentive. We have officers who have 4 year college degrees and that was only worth $150.00 a month in incentive pay. An incentive which the city council voted to take away from us.
So to the officers who spend 4 years earning a college degree you say the city can't afford to give them $150.00 a month but you can afford to give the dispatchers you say were unqualified to answer phones a $600.00 a month incentive just for completing a course which lasted 3 days.
Can you see why officers are a little upset with you guys?
These same dispatchers who you say were unqualified to answer phones are now making more than the officers you say were getting sent to wrong houses.
Bottom line this move was made without consulting with McWilliams first. And the fact you dodge the part of the question about Jimmy Hall's part in all this still makes me think your hiding something.
I appreciate you at least answering my question but please be truthful. The officers deserve it.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteI am on the Council and I know nothing about this. If I had to guess, it is a negotiation thing with the the new holding company.
Dj
Hey, on Don's defense any officer was offered the jobs first. Evidently they would not do nor have the job.
ReplyDeleteBubba, concerning your comment about dispatch being in "shambles", and the dispatchers being "clueless," you based this how? Did you base this on the words of Jimmy Hall and his city hall toadies? Or did you and the rest of the city council go see first hand as to what was happening? I mean actually go in to dispatch, plop your butt in a chair and observe what was going on. Careful how you answer, because if you actually sat in dispatch and observed then there's a dispatcher who can back up your claim.
ReplyDeleteI see there is no response as why the officers have not had their college pay given back to them. Or how about the fact that the city refuses to pay an officer any overtime or comp time, unless it comes from a grant of some sort. Instead they make you adjust your hours for the week. It used to be an officer would work a part time job for some extra spending money, but now that officers have to pay for part of their insuance and are now having to pay 10% into the retirement system a part time job is a must just to make ends meet. With all that has been taken away the 2% cost of living raise given each year just doesn't cut it. It would seem the officer is just getting poorer.
ReplyDeleteActually my claims are Police officers. Chief McWilliams was definately in on this because he suggested it. Honestly, NO i hevent been in dispatch but I do know of horror stories.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, commenting to subscribe. This is a good discussion, and I don't want to miss a word of it.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I appreciate Bubba for chiming in here. And, appreciate the questioners, too.
Bubba, your honesty is refreshing, but how could you or anyone on the council make an unbiased decision without actually looking to see if the "horror stories" are true? That in itself is either laziness or complacancy towards the truth. Why not go see the problem first hand? There are factions in the city who desire nothing more than to get rid of people who aren't their family or friends. The city council is either oblivious or complicit. Furthermore, I can assure you that even with all the changes at a great expense to the city, the horror stories continue. Please don't just take what someone says as the truth, look into it. Problems can be fixed without favoring some people ate the expense of others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment
ReplyDeleteBubba,
ReplyDeleteI can tell you this. McWilliams had nothing to thus with this. I had a conversation with him andcquestion why the dispatchers were getting such a big raise and officers couldn't even get the money back which was taken from us. He told me that all he did was go to Jimmy Hall and asked to hire 4 dispatchers. Jimmy Hall added it to the agenda and when he got to the city council meeting later that day, he found out that the changes were going to be implemented. In your defense, I dont think you guys even knew that these changes were going to take place.
So I'll ask the questions again. What was Jimmy Hall's part in all this? Why does Shane McWilliams have to go to Jimmy Hall about anything? With all these raises you guys seems to all of sudden have the money for, when can we see the our incentive pay returned to us? Thanks again.
Anon @ 1:47,
ReplyDeleteThere a so many damned lies going around I don't know who to believe. The city council blames the mayor and department heads, The mayor doesn't have a clue and doesn't care. The department heads are blaming the mayor and city council. In the mean time Jimmy Hall and his toadies are turning this city into a haven for their friends and masonic and shrine buddies.
DON"T BELIEVE A DAMNED WORD FROM ANY OF THEM. Let's concentrate on voting these people out of office and cleaning out the rat nests.
2:23,
ReplyDeleteI agree. It seems the one person who needs to be on here answering questions is Jimmy Hall. It's seems he is the one making all these decisions. But like I said before, he makes the decisions then hides and let's others accept the responsibility for them. He is a coward. I can't stand a coward.
Hey David or Bubba,
ReplyDeleteSince you guys claim your so concerned about city finances, how about checking on this matter. See how much money Jimmy Hall has spent trying to keep Officer Phillip Vernon fired. The man has had to sit at a desk and answer phones for the past 2 years because Jimmy Hall refuses to "just let it go". Everyone has moved on except him. I've been told Hall has spent close to $300,000 hiring a law firm to keep with this stupidity. Phillip won the civil service hearing in which Sentell refused to testify. Hall appealed and Vernon won in district court. Now he is continuing on to the 2nd circuit court of appeals. Hall has already stated if he loses there that he will continue on to the supreme court. WHY? The money is one thing but he also destroyed the transcripts and tapes of the civil service hearing. WHY? Like I said everyone has moved on except him.
Ok so to whom does Jimmy Hall answer? I know he is not an elected official. Someone is in charge of seeing that his job is done in a satisfactory manner. Someone or some entity (ie city council) has the say in 1. that he has the job to begin with, 2. how much power he weilds by doing that job, 3. what exactly are his duties, and 4. does he get to keep his job...My guess would be that the city council handles all 4 of those tasks and please correct me if I am wrong. That is simply my assumption, but if I am correct, then they are still ultimately responsible for the strings Mr Hall pulls.2
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand is that he is appointed by the mayor but he represents the mayor and city council. He is suppose to simply be an advisor to both but I'm telling you for a fact he make decisions that he really shouldn't have the authority to make. Who does he answer to? No one. He does as he pleases and no one says anything to him. For some reason everyone is scared of him. I know he is vindictive so the only reason I can think of is he knows things that keep them from ousting him.
ReplyDeleteJust heard on the news Mayor Glover named Shreveport's fire chief today. It sounds like Mayor Glover made the decision after the selection process was complete, not before the test was given. And all we hear from defenders of what is indefensible is "If you don't like it move to Shreveport." Well it sounds like Shreveport is doing it the right way.
ReplyDeleteJust an observation, I bet the anon @ 8:13 and anon @ 8:14 comments ate from the same person. I bet Bubba posted those himself.
ReplyDeleteAt a 2010 meeting with myself and a group of women in the Mayor's office, Mayor Walker touted that he and the City council had saved the City money, only having to lay off very few police and firefighters, citing the majority of the position cuts coming from the fire academy. I asked him how he and the Council could justify the academy layoffs when all of those laid off academy firefighters would also have graduated as lifesaving paramedics. He had no answer.
ReplyDeleteLaying off paramedics, refusing to have more than a scant number of Bossier patrol officers on the streets for each shift, refusing to pay these public servants as they deserve to be paid, ending police protection at the Boardwalk....while spending taxpayer millions on endless legal expenses, and dead-end projects is unforgiveable.
Police and firefighters don't need more excuses from the Mayor or from City Coucil members. Their reality is that neither group can can support their families without working one or two extra jobs.
Taxpayers overwhelmingly support police and firefighters. It would be refreshing to see a City Council member actually champion their cause with something a bit more substantive than rhetoric.
Once again Evodna, you make a fool out of yourself because you don't have a clue about what you are talking about. It must rip you to be a nobody.
ReplyDelete7/5 Anon @11:34 If you factually dispute anything that I've written, please provide me with your supporting documentation. If I am incorrect, I will be the first to admit it. But please argue on substance, with facts, not on your perception and/or opinion of me personally. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteEvodna,
ReplyDeleteI'll admit every now and again you can seem to be a little out there with your post. However I appreciate what your doing. As far as your last post is concerned, you hit the "nail on the head".
If you've read the previous posts, you'll see Bubba Williams tried to give political answers to specific questions. As you can see he was called on it each time. So I guess when the questions got too tough and he knew some of us knew the truth, I guess now he doesn't want to play anymore.
My advise to you is go after Jimmy Hall. It's time this coward is exposed. You expose him and the rest of the rattlesnakes will commit political suicide.
Anon 3:43,
ReplyDeleteI too noticed that when Bubba got to where he could no longer explain the unexplainable, all he said was "Thanks for your comment."
Evonda, I don't agree with Anon 3:43 about you being a"little out there," but I whole heartedly agree about you hitting the nail on the head.
These posts are not being made by the same person, and that in itself it telling. Like in the movie the Music Man, "There's trouble in River City," only this time it's Bossier City that's in trouble.
I am a spouse, and I don't want to say my name for fear of retribution that may be taken against my spouse. Yes, fire fighters and police officers are pissed about the way they're being treated, but it goes way beyond that. These men and women realize that not only is it a matter of getting enough money to feed their families, it's gotten to the point of safety of those on the line. Not only is a matter of safety for those on the line, it's also a matter of safety for the citizens of Bossier City. But knowing the men and women I know in both departments, they'll do what they will have to do even without the help of those whose suppose to have their best interests.
It seems the only best interest going on in Bossier City is taking care of friends and family at the expense of those on the line and the citizens of Bossier City, and that's wrong.
As stated before, if there is anyway the citizens can start digging around to expose what is going on, because when fire fighters or police officers start asking questions, they are threatened with their jobs or law suits.
Thank You
Friends,
ReplyDeleteI have read with interest the posts that have been written in response to this article and to be honest, I had to go back and read the prior article from December to understand why Bossier officers were assigned to the Boardwalk instead of working there in an "off-duty" capacity as they do at other businessess.
I have a few questions that I have been pondering and I hope they can be answered by the readers.
1)If BCPD pulls out, what keeps the owners from the Boardwalk from sueing?
2)If BCPD pulls out, and a citizen becomes a victim of a crime on the property, who is liable?
3)Why did the city enter into this co-security agreement with the owners of the Boardwalk?
4)Is the owner of the Boardwalk paying half of the officers wages to recoupe the citys loss?
5)If BCPD pulls out, are they in breach of some type of contract with the owners of the Boardwalk?
McConnell,
ReplyDeleteYou are a joke! Worry about the so called election that you will lose to Julian Whittington! Deputy Chief Teustch fired you from BCPD as a reserve officer and now you want to put your two cents in! What a joke!
McConnell and Springer. What a combination. I am sure Jimmy Hall, Lo Walker, and Shane McWilliams cares about what you think. No one takes you serious. You cannot realize how pitiful you look.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous' 5:36 and 5:49,
ReplyDeleteWhy do you need to add such immature and nonproductive comments to the discussion?
McConnell asks some valid questions. Is BCPD held to any contractual agreement? If this is private property why are they not responsible for providing their own security or at minimum reimbursing at least a portion of the expense to the city? What is the city's liability? Whether you plan to vote for McConnell or not, these are questions that need to be answered and in no way ellicited any trash talking on your parts.
If the city would get off it's dead ass and start letting the PD hire some officers instead of dispatchers then maybe the boardwalk units would not have to be put back into patrol. But with the increasing cost of benefits to the officer and the shrinking paycheck I'm not sure too many people would want to apply.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny that when no one can put up an argument, because they don't have one, they make personal attacks.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 5:49, which one of the rat bastards are you?
Has anyone noticed lately when Mark Natale is on the news explaining, or justifying, this nonsense, he hesitates when giving the details. It's like he's trying to remember what he is told to say.
ReplyDeleteIf he was telling the truth, there wouldn't be any hesitations.
Just saying.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI think they good questions and I think they need answers.
I want to know what agreement was made also. If you remember the mayor purchased 4 T3's (the scooters) for the police to use at approximately $10,000.00 each. So apparently he expected for police to be assigned to the boardwalk.
Some of you may find this interesting. 2 of the scooters were purchased fir the boardwalk. The other 2 were purchased for the Villagio. A unit was going to be assigned to the Villagio but for reason those plans got cancelled. So all 4 of the scooters went to the boardwalk. Just interesting both properties involve John Goode.
If you want answers to your questions, go see Chief Shane McWilliams, Chief Jimmy Stewart, and Chief Royce Chapman. 741-8621 ask for any of them. You won't because you are a bunch of whinning cowards like McConnell who has quit every law enforcement agency that he has ever been associated, with the exception of being fired as a BCPD reserve officer. They were all at work today. I did not see any of you walk upstairs to their office.
ReplyDeleteMcConnell: I want the truth!
ReplyDeleteMcWilliams:
You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a city that has streets. And those streets have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, McConnel? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for criminals and you curse the Bossier Police. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that the Bicycle Units disbanding, while tragic, probably saved lives by adding officers to the streets. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want us. You need us on that street.
We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending our city. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very safety we provide, then questions the manner in which we provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!
If an officer goes upstairs to ask questions will his questions be answered or will he be handed one of those fill in the blank resignation letters? WIll he be told to sign the letter or go back to work and shut up?
ReplyDeleteYou will not be fired, cursed at, threatened, or anything else that used to happen under previous administrations. Make the request through your chain of command to set up a time with the Chief you would like to speak with.
ReplyDelete7:14,
ReplyDeleteI've got a better idea. How bout you chiefs get Jimmy Hall and the Mayor and the city councilmen to set up a meeting in the city council chambers so that all officers can attend if we want to and ask questions of them and let them know how we feel. I bet the won't because they are cowards.
Stop calling the officers cowards. I'm not going to waste my time talking to the chiefs because they are powerless to change anything. The question is simple. When are you guys going to stand up to the city council and get us the money back they stole from us? They have money to give raises to others. We feel we deserve the money that was stolen from us first before any raises are given. We need more officers as well. Until it happens we will not shut up.
The new administration is not the problem. They are 1000 times better than the old regime. But their hands are tied. They can only do as much as the mayor and city council let them do.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 8:14,
ReplyDeleteDid you read what you wrote? It would be laughable if this wasn't such a serious problem. Mike Halphen stood up to the mayor and city council. What you're saying is this administration lacks the balls to stand up to the mayor and city council and would much rather allow the officers to be neglected.
Well they can prove me wrong. It's been a year. We have waited patiently enough. But morale is getting worse not better. And no we are not leaving. Some of us have too much invested in our careers to just walk out the doors because of a few dumba**es at city hall.
ReplyDeleteAnon 4:13 (spouse) I am deeply grateful to your husband/wife for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. Your fear of retaliation for your spouse is absolutely based in fact. And while neither you nor your spouse needs to be in the public forefront of these arguments, please know that officers and firefighters have supporters who don't mind taking hits. Count me among that group.
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways average citizens can get involved in supporting police and firefighters is to become educated. I've been researching the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board for a number of months, and have filed specific Public Records Requests to obtain files on their cases. (I wrote an article for my FB page explaining this Board to the average citizen, which I'll be happy to send to you if you msg me.)
Please don't be discouraged. It isn't that the general public doesn't care. They simply do not know the unique and often ugly political realities faced by officers and firefighters.
Anon 7:41 I have no doubt that an average citizen like myself with no ties to the police or fire department could arrange a meeting with Chief McWilliams.
In fact, anyone can send me a list of concerns and I'll file Public Records Requests under LRS 44:1 et seq. to obtain the answers.
But as far as officers themselves heading upstairs to ask the questions, well, let's just say since this is Bossier City and not Oz, I'm not so sure that would be a career-enhancing move...
If all we have is Evonda Springer and Mike McConnell, we are in desperate trouble!
ReplyDeleteAnon@6:44,
ReplyDeleteThat's what they do. When the make idiotic decision that they can't explain or do want to be questioned about for fear the truth may come out, they throw Mark Natale to the wolves. COWARDS!!!!!
Thanks for the comment Mark
ReplyDelete7/5 5:36
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if I struck a nerve with just wanting to gain some insight into the problem at the Boardwalk. If I, as a citizen of this parish, am retaliated against for asking questions, then I know the good men and women of the BCPD are also retaliated against. Please, leave your name like I have so all of your comrades can know who plots against them. If you are a BCPD administrator, you are well aware that you are high enough on the totem-pole to not suffer the wrath of the common officer. If you are not willing to make yourself known, then you are exactly what your friends in the BCPD say you are.... a coward.
As an administrator, you might want to listen to the criticism and try to resolve the offers concerns. It will make you a better leader.
Oh, and by the way, I met with Julian Whittington over the weekend and challenged him to a debate. He would not give me an answer. Whittington is hesitant to debate me because he knows he has no experience with crime.
Mike McConnell said...Whittington is hesitant to debate me because he knows he has no experience with crime.
ReplyDelete---------------------------
20+ years at the Sheriff's Office and no experience with crime? Sounds like you're getting VERY desperate!
4:24,
ReplyDeleteJulian has no personal experience dealing with crime. It's what happens when your cousin is elected Sheriff and moves you to the top of the food chain. But Julian isn't the only one. Just about every member of BPSO that has any rank does not have any personal experience dealing with criminals. You can believe it or not but something tells me you know it's true. I can tell facts don't matter to you because I bet you have some kind of personal stake in Julian getting elected Sheriff.
Anyone voting for Julian is voting for him for personal reasons. What has he done to earn anything? His job was GIVEN to him. His rank was GIVEN to him. And the position of Sherriff was suppose to be GIVEN to him. But Mike McConnell comes in from Shreveport (oh my god, nooooooo) and enters the race with all his police experience and knowledge of all the unethical things going on at BPSO. How dare him.
ReplyDeleteMike, do you know how much money people have given the Sherriff over the years so they can feel important and get one of those little badges. If you get elected then those people will not be able to tell deputies what do to anymore. It will be anarchy in Bossier Parish. There won't be anymore get out jail free cards. The parish will collapse. I beg to just drop out so there can be peace.
Forget about the sheriff's race, get back to bashing Jimmy Hall and his cronies, it's more fun.
ReplyDeleteThis talk about breach of contract with the owners of boardwalk is ridiculous. The former owners of boardwalk reneged on ALL of their commitments, and the place was forclosed on by the bankers that they failed to pay. At the sheriff's sale it was made official that the bankers are the new owners.
ReplyDelete9:21,
ReplyDeleteWho cares about a contract? Bottom line the city still owns the parking garage. The city still hasn't recovered it's money they invested in the parking garage. According to their estimates its going to take another 4 or 5 years. But if the place goes to hell because of safety issues then itcwill take longer. This is why governments should not get involved in private business. Especially our city government because it is run by a bunch of greedy idiots. I hope everyone keeps their eye on the details involving this new casino. Watch to see how much tax payer money they spend to bring another casino here.
Let me tell how stupid our elected officials are: there are plans right now to start bulidingvanother building out Archie cyber innovation center. According to the director Craig Spohn, they plan on breaking ground soon.
Jimmy Hall must be one big (i mean little) P.O.S. I mean even Larry Deen had some supporters. Jimmy Hall has had no one come on here and defend him.
ReplyDeleteHey Jim,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you could check on something for us bossier taxpayers.
I was reading in the Shreveport times about 10 year 6-mill tax renewal approved by voters in 2010. According to Joe Buffington it was suppose to generate $571,000 annually for the police and fire dept. We voted to increase our taxes so that we could get our police officers and firemen back. But according to what I'm reading they are even more short handed now than ever and they haven't got their money back which was taken from them. What the hell are they doing with the money then?
That money is not going toward taking care of the officers that's for damn sure. And the statement of patrol being short handed is the understatement of the year. I guess the city thinks it's ok for a patrol shift to have only about 8 officers on a good day. It used to be more like 12 or 13 per shift on average. But how can you hire and train new officers and the city won't even give the officers their FTO pay.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the citizens and our police and fire keep getting screwed by the Mayor and city council.
ReplyDeleteAnon 5:11
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the humor in your post and you are exactly right. Those who are above the law will not have a free pass anymore when I make sheriff and they all know it. That is why they all jumped behind Whittington. I will take up all those "special deputy" badges and melt them down and make ammo out of them or steel ball bearings for my sling-shot.
Is this the real Mike McConnell commenting? I sure hope not. I was behind him 100% before but now he seems to be acting a little unprofessional. Very disappointed.
ReplyDeleteBossier resident,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he is finally showing a little fire. This race is less about issues and more about entitlements. The people on here who are Whittington supporters are bashing McConnell just because he is running. They would bash anyone who poses a threat to their entitlements. I say get as nasty with them as you want Mike. You have nothing to lose.
Bossier Resident
ReplyDeleteHow was McConnell's comment unprofessional? He has a point. There is no one that is above the law and all of the Deen/Whittington backers are going to want their rewards when this election is over with if Whittington wins.... Now take that to the bank. But still, how was it unprofessional?
Why is it, every time we are talking about a particular subject, it somehow becomes about McConnell running for sheriff in the end, and I suppose he must be the great savior, omniscient and omnipresent we have been waiting on?
ReplyDeleteI guess unprofessional was a little harsh. The ammo/sling shot comment makes me think he is going to fall into the mud slinging policitical crap. He has my vote. I just don't want to see him lower himself to the level some of the "leaders" in this area are on.
ReplyDeleteThe reason the police and fire numbers are getting cut is there seems to be a study that was done that said a city our size needs a certain number of police officers and firefighters. The city they compared Bossier City to was some stand alone city like Temple, Texas.
ReplyDeleteWhat the geniuses didn't factor in was Bossier City is not a stand alone city. It is part of a metroplex area. It has a large military base attached to it, and it has three casinos which draws extra people.
Yes, Bossier City is run by geniuses.
Bossier Res
ReplyDeleteI was only trying to be funny but make a point at the same time. When I say that HUGH changes are in store when I become Sheriff, I mean it. The poor and middle income classes will not be treated any different than the rich. A person's pocketbook or name will not give them any special privileges in this parish. Everyone will be treated the same.
Over my career, I have arrested my own friends, what other candidate can say that. Right is right and wrong is wrong and if you are breaking the law, don’t mention my name. All the people want is to be treated fairly. And, I will not sling mud, I will only tell the truth.
Mr. McConnell,
ReplyDeleteLet me share my main concern with you. I have many friends in law enforcement at several different agencies. I know how it goes most of the time, if you do not support the "winner", you lose your job. I have never thought this was fair/right for any reason. Just because someone doesn't vote for you does not mean they will not be a top notch deputy and give you the respect you deserve. Will you fire non-supporters if you are elected?
Before anyone asks, I am not in law enforcement, do not work with law enforcement in any way and I am not married to anyone in law enforcement. I am just a citizen wanting to know that I am going to vote for the right man.
Anon @5:11,
ReplyDeleteI too heard about this "study". I would like to know who conducted this "study". My guess is they did their own "study" and came up with the numbers to fit "their" needs. Or should I say "their" wants. What is troubling is they do not seem to be qualified at basic math much qualified to conduct a manpower study. Ridiculous. Like I said before. It's stupid decision trying to fix stupid decisions.
I bet this "study" was done on one of those hunting trips you're always hearing about.
ReplyDeleteTo quote a great retired BCPD Capt, "It's as F'ed up as it's ever been"!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat's bad is that Bibba or David could at least offer some words of encouragement but neither do. Which tells me they believe they plan on doing nothing to change the direction in which we are headed. They just hide like cowards when questions get too tough.
ReplyDeleteOnly this time it's F'ed up worth than it's ever been.
ReplyDeleteIf Bubba and David had any balls, they would come out and look and see for themselves what's really going on and not go on what they're being told.
ReplyDeleteBossier Res.
ReplyDeleteIt is my pledge to you and to the employees of the Sheriff's Office, that I will not fire anyone when I take office. As I reported in other posts, these are hard times and I am not going to hurt morale by terminating anyone for supporting my opponents. They have worked with worse, I want them to work with me. The employees of the sheriff's office are doing what they think is the right thing for them and their families.
Thank you. Where can I get a sign?
ReplyDeleteAs for the study for Bossier City and how many police and fire personnel it should have, Lynn Austin, when he was CAO for the city pushed for it, and as far as I know may have done it himself.
ReplyDeleteDid everyone read about another armed robbery which occurred across the street from the same credit union which robbed a few days ago. Come January they will tell you crime has dropped or that crime is at an "all-time low". Don't believe it people. It's just more bulls*** for their public relation image.
ReplyDeleteSay it ain't so! Do you mean Bossier City officials, on a string being manipulated by Jimmy Hall, would lie? I don't believe it. They're such honest and upstanding people. They can't lie, they're leaders in the masonic logde and the shrine. "Snicker,snicker."
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteMr. McConnell:
ReplyDeleteIf elected, will you suspend all ranks, reshuffle and reorganize the personnel, promoting all new people in the staff level and downward. Tell us what your rank structure would look like under your administration.
Anon 7/8 9:18
ReplyDeleteWith implementing a true rank structure, there must be a reorganization. I will give all of the supervisors exams to assess their knowledge of their job functions and the law. As you know, a law enforcement agency cannot have a supervisor who is less knowledgeable than his/her subordinates. The last thing that a supervisor needs to do is give bad information to those under them. I will then give those supervisors who are lacking, more training to bring them up to standard. I want everyone who is a supervisor to learn their job and to open up the Louisiana Criminal Statute book and learn the law. I cannot have my employees violating citizens civil rights because they don't know the law.
All deputies who qualify for a supervisory position will test for that vacancy and be added to the list which will be kept for approx. 18 months. The highest qualifing deputy will fill the rank vacancy and the test scores will expire after the 18 months. This will be fair for those who don't test high enough to gain rank because they can study and take the exam again and score higher next time.
NO more appointments to rank because of the good ol boy system. It will be fair from now on.
I hope I have explained this well enough to be understood.
Bossier Res.
ReplyDeletePlease contact me through my website at:
www.mike@mikemcconnellforbossiersheriff.com for a sign
McConnell,
ReplyDeleteLet me see you take a test! If anyone scores better than you, you can't be Sheriff and supervise people! Oh, wait, you don't stand a chance anyway! You need to exhale and let some air out of your head and chest before you hurt yourself! You will lose!
ONCE AGAIN! This post is about bashing Jimmy Hall. Let's get back to bashing Jimmy Hall and his puppets. The honest men and women in Bossier City need the truth to get out about what's going on in the city. So, if you want to talk about the sheriff's race, go to the one about Julian Whittington.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Jim. I got caught up in my passion.
Jim, Please start a new sheriff blog so anon will get his panties back in the correct position.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who is going to run for mayor against Lo Walker but they will have to make a campaign promise to get rid of Jimmy Hall. If you can't make that promise then we might as well keep the same people then because nothing will change as long as that dumba** is still around.
ReplyDeleteTo the post about police and fire going to the chief and expressing concern or speaking up about problems that is a joke. a career ending move end of story.
ReplyDeleteBCPD Deputy Chief Royce Chapman posted the following on his Facebook page in response to all the complaints:
ReplyDelete“The Pity Train has just derailed @ the intersection of suck it up & move on & crashed into we all have problems, before coming to a complete stop @ get the Heck over it. Any complaints about how we operate can be forwarded to 1-800-waa-waa. This is Dr. Sniffle Reporting Live from Quitchur Fussin. If you like this re-post it. If you don’t suck it up cupcake, life doesn’t revolve around you!”
Here’s your sign!
If that is truly a post from the Deputy Chief of Police then it and he needs to be dealt with by the Chief
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDid he really post that in response to the comments on here? I know that a version of that post has been floating around on facebook for a week or two. Maybe it's just a coincidence?
ReplyDeleteThe (alleged) Facebook posting is just a general type of post, I don't see anything at all wrong with it if he did put it up.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think it's funny.
Chapman probably posted it being funny. And I must say it is. That was going around Facebook. Chapman would tell you to suck it up and quit the whining. He does not tolerate all the whining, except out of his wife who is one of our dispatchers at BCPD.
ReplyDeleteFirst she whined wanting to get hired as a dispatcher. So they hired her. Then she whined wanting to get hired as a jailer, so they allowed her to resign as a dispatcher, and hired her as a jailer. Then after the dispatchers received an $11,000 a year raise (after the layoffs mind you) she whined wanting to be re-hired as a dispatcher, so they allowed her to resign as a jailer, and re-hired her as a dispatcher. Then promoted her to being number 2 in command of dispatch (with a higher salary) under the newly created Chief of Dispatch (created since the layoffs at a salary of $70,000 and hired from outside the department when there was supposed to be a hiring freeze).
They had to create the Chief of Communications position and then create the second in charge position. Bubba Williams gave the reason why the city council did it. It seems, without actually walking a few steps from the city council chambers to police dispatch to see first hand, they knew the police dispatcher were nothing but leaderless morons who could only sit and drool into their headsets. But the real morons are ones who make changes without getting all the facts.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Hall told the city council all they needed to know, so there was no further need to investigate. Jimmy, when I brush my teeth, should I use an up and down motion or a circular motion? I want to run for city council, and my campaign promise is to do what Jimmy Hall tells me.
ReplyDelete9:41,
ReplyDeleteWe already have 7 councilmen, a mayor and a city marshall who do that already. They already have their lips glued to his ass. I don't think they want any outsiders moving in on their turf.
I would imagine Chapman's wife still gets state supplemental pay as well as getting as her promotion and pay raise. She has only been on approx. 8 years.
ReplyDeleteHey Jim, I am enjoying this blog about JH at BC Hall. Kinda Funny.
ReplyDeleteWill you repost all your articles and blog comments about Gerald Needham when he is acquitted or better yet turned loose for being wrongfully arrested. I wanna see what all the dumbasses that were quick to judge have to say then. Especially what will be considered slander in the end.
Have a great day - and get ready for BCPD to pay some more legal fees. and a judgment and/or multi-million dollar settlement.
You think Needham is innocent?
ReplyDeleteI'm from Shreveport, and now it's our turn to say, "At least we're not as F'ed Up as Bossier City!" Thank You Mr. Hall and your minions for seeing to it that Bossier City is once again in its rightful place as Shreveport's doormat. Hell, you've almost driven Bossier City into being Plain Dealing's doormat.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
ReplyDeleteI am new to this blog and was invited by a comrad in arms from the BCPD. I retired from the department several years ago and I agree with the officers who are voicing their opinions (not whining) about Jimmy Hall and the rest of the leaders who run the city, they have successfully just about ruined it. I must also make a comment to the person who commented on Assistant Chief Teustch. He ruled the department with an iron fist and none of the past Chiefs would rein him in. He is the only person that I know of who retired after 30 years who had no friends when he left. Sad.
P.S. Royce, ease up off the men, if you were in their position, you would vent too. Seems you have forgotten.
Mc Connell-this guy keeps talking about WHEN he is elected. This man must be completely delusional! You have zero chance, zero!
ReplyDelete@ Retired BCPD,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Not only has Chapman forgot, but so has McWilliams, Stewart, and Worley. They will not stand up for us, as they are worried about themselves as always, no different than the rest. Things remain the same, McWilliams, Stewart, Chapman, and Brad Zagone (New Fire Chief) are all friends with Jimmy Hall, Rodney Oar, Jay Plummer, and Mac Plummer. I guess all their hunting trips together paid off. I am sure the fact they are all Masons and Shriners together didn't hurt. Hamm thought it helped him but Lynn Austin played him like a violin.
Teutsch did rule with an Iron fist, but at least he knew what he was doing, and I am not a Teutsch fan. I now believe Kenny Hamm would have been better, but then again, he would have done the same things just with different people.
Thanks to Jimmy Hall, Lynn Austin, and our so called Mayor, we have lost our educational incintive pay, annual 2% cost of living (for those of us with 23 years or more), hazard duty pay, and now the retirement has went up from 7 1/2% to 10% of our pay.
My guys are working for less money, with fewer officers, and handling twice the calls for service. The only way to change things is elect a new mayor, and new city council. I don't have many years left, and what is in store for BCPD is nothing nice.
The reason why pay was cut for firefighters and police officers was to pay the salary of friends who were hired during the "hiring freeze" and to pay for a massive pay raise for people like Rodney Oar and Chief Chapman's whining wife.
ReplyDeleteIf things are so bad at the police department name them. Name one thing the police administrators have control over? The retirement system? No. The pay freeze and 2%? No. Education pay? No. Hazard duty pay? no. Name one thing any of the Chiefs have done in regards to this that is their fault? List your complaints and how they are responsible. You can't
ReplyDeleteWhat has the current administration done to stand up to the city council, or more like Jimmy Hall, to tell them enough is enough? All we've seen is going along to get along.
ReplyDeleteAll we see is everything Jimmy Hall wants being rubber stamped by the current administration. At least Mike Halphen had the backbone to go toe to toe with city officials on behalf of the police department.
Everyone bitches and moans about Mike, but they were happy to take the pay raises he got us. All we hear from this administration is "our hands are tied, and we can only do what the city council and the may lets us!.' Why don't they just come out and say what they really mean? "We have not BALLS!"
Bottom line it's rest on the shoulders of Shane McWilliams. He told many of the officers to just give him time and everything is goingvto be great. Well we bought into it and we did exactly what we asked of us. It's been over a year and nothing is getting better. It's getting worse. It's upsets us when we ate more shorthanded now than ever before. We can't be proactive because of this problem. We have pulled officers from every specialized division and have now had to completely disband the boardwalk unit. Every officer took a pay cut between $200-$400 a month because the city council and mayor said the "economy was bad". We've had to sit back and watch them give raises to dispatchers, who are now making more than officers. Give raises to their closest buddies. All of this has been done while not returning the money they stole from the officers. McWilliams knows the dangerous situation this is creating for officers on the street and for the citizens. Yet he has asked for nothing because he doesn't want to piss off Jimmy Hall. All we ask is he stand in front of the council and ask for our money back and to get more officers on the street. People pissed and moaned about Halphen but at least he stood in front of the council and was able to get things for the department because he simply asked.
ReplyDeleteShane, it's time to grow a set and fulfill your promise to the officers. We been patient long enough. Also Chapman needs to quit insulting us by calling us cowards. It's not helping.
Anon @ 9:55 said, "If things are so bad at the police department name them. Name one thing the police administrators have control over? The retirement system? No. The pay freeze and 2%? No. Education pay? No. Hazard duty pay? no. Name one thing any of the Chiefs have done in regards to this that is their fault? List your complaints and how they are responsible. You can't"
ReplyDeleteYes I can. When this administration continues to carry on in the same manner as the past administration by by passing senior officers and promoting their drinking buddies, they've accepted repsonibility.
When this administration agrees to go along with the huge pay raises to certain people in the city at the expense of the people they are suppose to FIGHT for but won't, they are responsible.
I agree, you need to grow a set or step aside. Being Jimmy Halls yes and and going along with what he has done is accepting ALL responsibility.
This seems like some cop - cry baby site. Glad I don't live over there.
ReplyDeleteWe're glad you're not over here, too.
ReplyDeleteIf he promoted the senior Officers you would be bitching that he had promoted idiots, either way you would be bitching
ReplyDelete10:32
ReplyDelete"When this administration agrees to go along with the huge pay raises to certain people in the city .."
What makes you think they agreed to go along with anything? Do you really think the mayor and city council asked their opinion? Or that the chief had any say in the matter at all, let alone the deputy chiefs?
When pay gets cut, it gets cut across the board. At least two of those deputy chiefs got screwed by losing the 2% themselves.
Whether you feel chief or the deputy chiefs should be fighting for officers or not, let's not forget WHERE the changes are coming from to begin with and WHO is responsible for them. That is where the fight is.
If Jimmy Hall is truly in charge like everybody says he is, then how can the chiefs be expected to win the game when they aren't even allowed on the field?
How do you know that the chief hasn't tried to fight for the officers? How do you know he wasn't told to be seen and not heard?
Based on what I have read, it does sound like the officers have been screwed. It is a slap in the face to have paychecks decrease when others are getting raises. But remember who is ultimately responsible for that and it isn't McWilliams, Chapman, Stewart or Worley.
5:24,
ReplyDeleteNobody knows what is going on. That's the problem. A simple e-mail would be nice every now and again just let everyone know about what progress is being made to improve conditions. I mean there is a chief and 3 deputy chiefs. At one one of those guys could give the officers a little update every now and again.
Bottom line, morale is in the sh*tter and we are so short-handed that it is creating a safety issue for officers and the citizens. When it all goes to hell, McWilliams will have to accept the blame for that. I can promise you the Mayor, city council, or Jimmy hall will not accept blame for anything. They have yet so far. So I'll say it again. Grow a set, be more vocal, and get this department back to where it needs to be. Sir.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI just want the BC police officers to know that I am reading your comments and will share them with my friends and neighbors. We will take your comments to heart and make a change at the polls. I appreciate ALL that you do everyday leaving your families and putting your lives on the line for the citizens of Bossier City. The Powers that Be may not appreciate you, but I do!
ReplyDeleteBP Teacher,
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate all the support. The citizens are the reasons we continue to go out there everyday and do what we do. We will continue to do that everyday. Most offense your reading is the frustration we are feeling because as a department, we no longer are able to provide the level of service which the citizens deserve. We feel like the citizens deserve to know what is going on because our Mayor and city councilmen continue to lie and deceive the public. Bubba Williams proved it in his post earlier. As you can he tried to lie and deceive and was called on it. He quickly decided he didn't want to answer questions anymore because he knows their is no defense for the decisions. We have said that City Attorney Jimmy Hall controls everyone and no one has come on here to deny that. Their decision to cut the number of officers has created safety issue for officers and citizens. Their decision to cut our pay has caused officers to quit and has put us even further behind ALL other departments as far as pay is concerned. This will result is poorer quality applicants and officers. Public safety is a big issue with our citizens and the Mayor and City Council basically have said "so what". Department heads are made up of close friends or family members and are paid outrageous salaries. It's a very bad situation and the elections can't come soon enough.
Thank you again for your support.
Let's see if any city council member will answer this question. Our union delegates met with the mayor and questioned him about the education incentive and 2 percent longevity pay. He showed them a copy ofvthem budget where he put it back on the budget and said you guys took it out. Can you explain why? What do you guys have against the police department?
ReplyDelete7:25 AM - here is your post redone leaving out the names of people who are not in admin.
ReplyDeleteSince we have no leadership, becasue we are told they are not responsible for anything, maybe it is only becasue they are confused about what a leader is!
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”.
"Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."
"effective leadership is the ability to successfully integrate and maximize available resources within the internal and external environment for the attainment of organizational or societal goals."
Maybe after reading the above definitions you will see some of your errors.
Thank you BP Teacher. Your support is why we continue to do what we do. It's a shame we have to come on here and air out the city's dirty laundry but we feel it's necessary. They refuse to tell the truth and continue to try and deceive the public. The atmosphere which the city council and mayor have created is dangerous for officers and the citizens.
ReplyDeleteWe would love nothing more than to go back to the way things were when we concentrated on police work and did not worry about what city hall was doing. I have no doubt these idiots will be voted out of office. The election can not come soon enough. It seems they know they will be voted out too. I guess that's why they continue to build all their pet projects and disregard public safety.
It's time to start looking at some people who can run for mayor and city council. I think that instead of gripping on this blog we should start being proactive and throw out some names of people we think that would be good for the jobs.
ReplyDeleteJim
ReplyDelete"You think Needham is innocent?"
NO! regardless of what anyone may say, HE IS GUILTY!!!!!! for killing 3 in April of 2011 and for many many more that have gone unreported. First the media wants to place blame on the DA for not prosecuting him and now they want to help him get out???? WTH???
Needham is a piece of crap and has probably killed before but he didn't kill those 3 and BCPD knows it.
ReplyDeleteReference to July 10, 2011 5:24 PM
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:32 raised this question "When this administration agrees to go along with the huge pay raises to certain people in the city .."
Anon @ 5:24 response was, "What makes you think they agreed to go along with anything? Do you really think the mayor and city council asked their opinion? Or that the chief had any say in the matter at all, let alone the deputy chiefs? "
Who's in charge of the police department? Some of the pay raises were for police personnel. Did the chief ask for the creation of the Chief of Communications and the second in charge positions, did the chief ask for the creation of the chief of logistics position, did the chief ask for the large pay raises for communications personnel, or were they shoved down the chiefs throat by the mayor and city council? Usually it's the chief who asks such items, but I guess this one just sits there and told what he's suppose to do
But I read further into your post and realized that we have a puppet for chief, and Anon @ 5:24 confirmed it when he said, "How do you know that the chief hasn't tried to fight for the officers? How do you know he wasn't told to be seen and not heard?"
So in other words we have a puppet making over $100,000 a year. And if the chief is a puppet, what does that make the deputy chiefs?
The City of Bossier City’s root problem is this. It started a few months ago, when the City Council decided they wanted total power over the city and passed a law giving them that power and It has gone downhill ever since. Get rid of this law and get some Councilmen who will do what they are elected to do and this city can and will be turned around. I believe we need to clean our house and we can start at the next election. I would say that not all Councilmen are at fault and they need to stay as long as they support you openly!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Police Officers who are blogging on this site, I see and understand your situation and you may disagree with what I am about to say, which is all right. The Chief of Police has so much power to flex and I believe he does a great job and he wants the best for the department and its personnel. As for the Communication Officers, they suffered in the past, when the line Police Officers got raises and they didn’t, you get state pay, they don’t, unless they are POST qualified, you know, they would have to attend the academy, which they don’t. You should be glad at least they are finally being recognized for their hard work, unless you do not think they work hard to keep up with you on the street. They are just now coming in line as far as pay and training goes with the Fire Department. You could have applied for the position, but apparently, you did not choose to take on this responsibility.
Believe me, when I say, I am for you and you all deserve more and better pay. I do not think they can pay you enough for what you and your follow officers are worth, of course we have some officers who do not live up the standards in which I believe they should, but we have those in every organization.
As for wanting to see Mike Halphen as the Chief of Police again, the department would be taking gaint leaps backward and besides he did not have to deal with the economical problems the city is currently having or the law the council has in place. At one time, he was a good Chief, but let his personal problems to take control.
We all need to support the Chief of Police, he is still one of you and he really wants the best for you! This bad mouthing him only divides your strength in numbers to get things done! REMEMBER HE DOES NOT GET A VOTE FOR HOW THE CITY IS RUN!
By the way, I also believe that Jimmy Hall needs to take a walk!
Sorry for being so long winded, but I had to say what was on my mind.
I too know about the city council passing ordinances in order to take power away from the mayor. Why Lo Walker allows this to go on is beyond me. He still puts on this front as if he and the city council get along great and work together well. The fact is the council can't stand the Mayor. Bottom line: the Mayor is weak and the councilmen are stupid. All of them need to go. Oh and Jimmy Hall is a little coward who hides in the shadows. He is the main problem and he for sure needs to go.
ReplyDeleteWOW…and I thought the educational world was bad. Used to be that when a person decided to test for a new job and was awarded it they were praised for being motivated and hard working, ah, how the times have changed. Well, I guess it’s just that some of you tend to go about half-cocked, and assume that you know what’s going on in what is evidentially your workplace. Just because someone’s spouse changes jobs or moves into a different job doesn’t mean what you idiots think that it means. I personally know that the hours spent in preparation for the communications director during hours that she wasn’t paid for amount to more hours than you spend complaining…which is a great many judging from what I’ve read here. I’d like to give you a good ole fashioned tongue lashing, but just like I have to some times do in my classroom, I’ll just call you “precious” and leave it at that. I’m shaking my head at the pigheadedness shown on this blog.
ReplyDelete5:11,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all your comment is purely biased. Second, there was no testing process. No one is blaming the communication director. What everyone is mad about is city hall doing things their way without consulting with the chief first. Creating a new position and giving raises before returning the money they took away from the officers. You obviously don't know what is going on in OUR workplace. Since your and educator, educate yourself first. Get both sides of the story before you post.
Acually, I was referring to the personal attacks on the communications supervisor. Which were totally unfounded and uncalled for posted by someone who obviously can't gather facts or would rather spout nonsense. And btw go educate yourself.
ReplyDeleteCry baby cops,,
ReplyDeleteShameonyou, all you said is the comments were unfounded. Explain your position as how they are unfounded. All I've heard was the communications officers couldn't do anything right, so they had to hire someone from ouside to wipe their noses and butts. Then they had to hire a second in command, who happens to be a deputy chief's wife. Where's the misinformation?
ReplyDeleteI would say Shameonyou was refering to the Anon post on July 9, 2011 7:03 AM...
ReplyDeleteThere was no misinformation. It's all true and factual. The positions were created for those two individuals and only those two individuals. There was no test. There was no application process. That's why everyone is upset. It's not personal but there is a right way to do things and a wrong way. This was done wrong and there is nothing right about it period. Elected officials are behind this and we feel the public should know.
ReplyDeleteIf you noticed they did all this right after the elections a few years ago. It was timing. They are hoping that by the time the next elections come around the people would forget about it but we are not going to let that happen.
One of the problems we encounter in these type of blogs is that some people are NOT familiar with the laws pertaining to the blog subject, thus causing confusion and misunderstanding. In Civil Service, when you create a new position, there is no test or application. The one who is put into this position is then grandfathered in and any others that follow must be tested acording to that positions criteria.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 12:17,
ReplyDeleteUp until Worley was appointed f there was testing for the Deputy Chief position. All of a sudden the testing process was eliminated, and I think I heard that there will be a test in the future. So excuse me, you're full of s***!
The fact is the state of Louisiana passed a law last year allowing the Deputy Chief position to be competitive not promotional. This is a new position and in most cases the person appointed the first time would not have to take a test. I understand this time there will be a test of some type. It has nothing to do with the person put in this position at all.
ReplyDeleteI have to stand up and say the the dupty chiefs wife is one of the kindest most loving people I have ever meet. I work with her and not once have I ever heard her whin about anything. She did not whin to be hired or any of the sort. She is one of the hardest working people I have ever meet putting in endless hours to help get others trained. She happens to be the wife of a chief so what. That's the real reason people are complaining. I have worked here long enough to know people complain about everything. I have never seen so many unhappy people under one roof. There has been a problem with pay and unhappy people in this place since I started and when I started the deputy chiefs wife did not work here. I am so grateful to have a job in this Economy. I know we are loosing pay and loosing officers and we certainly can not police the way we used to but we need to stick together a little better then this and stand up for one another. Lift each other up in the name of Jesus rather then beating someone down cause it makes you feel better. You need to remember that every word you say like the bashing you are doing hurts. Or maybe that's your intention is to just hurt someone without thinking about it first.
ReplyDeleteThe Sheriff's election may be more important than many of you think. If experienced patrol officers didn't cringe at the thought of working in a jail, BCPD would be barley existent and white and blue cars would be patrolling the city as well.
ReplyDeleteYou do have a point. If BCPD draws up and BPSO patrols the city, then all the BCPD officers who leave would not do much time in the jail because they would need that experience back on the streets.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm....
Don't give the dumba** city councilmen any ideas. They have screwed enough things up.
ReplyDeleteThe simple fact is, regardless of the difference in interdepartment scale, the SO pays a salary that deputies can live on vs. the PD who are now virtually dependent on side jobs to pay their bills. The average BCPD officer has lost at least $200/mo. since 2009.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever seen the series "The Shield"? This series was no doubt based on the Bossier City Police Dept. It is now just as it has always been. Dirty politics and the "good ole boy" system. The Bossier Police Dept. is using money dedicated to walk the neighborhoods of our city in "walking patrol" to pay officers to work at the Louisiana Boardwalk. If they cannot get enough officers to sign up to work on thier days off, then they draft officers and force them to work it regardless if the officer wants to work it or not. It doesn't matter if the officer has a family to take care of or not. You get drafted to work or get punished if you don't.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head with that joke the dept calls "walking patrol". It's a total waste of time and money, even if the money isn't coming from the city. I guess when it's time for the "armed robbery task force" they will be putting officers at the boardwalk instead. If the boardwalk was so damn important then why the hell pull the guys from down there? They are still using officers from patrol to put down there. So it's not like patrol is really gaining anything from this move. The city council needs to pull it's head from it's ass and start hiring some people for patrol.
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:37,
ReplyDeleteOk, you may see the deputy chief's wife as a caring and loving person, but that still doesn't take away the fact that she wanted to be a dispatcher, no a jailer, wait there's a pay raise involved, a dispatcher.
Oh let's see not only is she a dispatcher again, when the pay was raised substantially. No only did she become a dispatcher again, after the pay raise, she's the only one qualified to be second in charge?
The reason why people are pissed about this is you need to pull your head out of the sand and look around. Only those who are associated with the Masons and Shriners, or those married or related to them, are getting the pay raises, while those who are not are getting pay cuts.
Interesting comment about the sheriff's department taking over law enforcement in Bossier City. It sounds like it would eliminate duplication of services and be more efficient. I know it is done in other areas of the country. Any thoughts on that from the sheriff candidates or police officers/deputies?
ReplyDeleteI think that it would be very hard to make the Bossier City Police Department and the Bossier Sheriff's Office a "Metro" due to the battle between the city council and the polic jury (who would rule?). I think it would also take some type of legislation change.
ReplyDeleteUnless it is left the way it is and the S.O. assists BCPD on calls. But this could cause even more problems with the department, the city council will then not hire any new officers. The problem still remains with BCPD still being short handed.
I know Julian personally and worked with him many years ago when I was a deputy. I've been gone a long time, but a lot of what I have heard about how the department is now is the same as it was back then, and the reason I resigned.
ReplyDeleteBut remember this . . . Deen was overwhelmingly elected by the people and ran virtually unopposed since being elected. It appeared the people were pleased with how he ran the agency and no one wanted to challenge him for the office. So what right did Julian or anyone within the department have to question Deen? After all, he was serving following a mandate by the people. So you ask why didn't Julian speak out, or why he stood by Deen? Well, it may have taken over 20 years, but he waited patiently for the right time to challenge the system, and now he will be the new sheriff. So let's at least give him a chance to prove himself. If he doesn't, friend or not, I will be the first on here to criticize him.
But I do believe he will be a good sheriff. I remained in law enforcement and have been promoted through the ranks at my new agency. Each time I was promoted I brought the good qualities of my supervisors with me while leaving the bad qualities behind. Hopefully Julian will do the same.
Not to get off subject but I got to thinking about something. Did Lynn Austin ever reduce his salary? I know he said he was and the last anyone heard about it was hecwas filling out the paperwork but hey, you how that goes. Just checking.
ReplyDeleteJust like furniture stores who raise their prices just to lower them and call it a sale.
ReplyDeleteDon't know. Good question. Jim is there anyway to find out?
All of these attacks against each other accomplish nothing more than to further divide and impede solutions to the problems at hand. This entire nation has the same dilemma of funding agencies and programs. The root of it all is everyone expecting someone else to fund it at no cost to whomever. As for the attacks on the Chapmans and McWilliams, this is to no avail. They are truly some of the finest public servants we have had in years. My support is for them wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 2:57,
ReplyDeleteDo you have a clue as to what is going on in the police department? Either you don't, or you're one of them!
I'll say this. I grew up around bcpd all my life. There was a time when officers stuck together no matter what. Now its "cliques"and officers bad mouthing others. Officers respected rank as well as other employees. They didnt expect to have friday saturday off after 2 years of service like most do now. They didnt complain because theyre on A B or C shift. (there is a box on the application that asks if you are willing to work shift-work). The officers didnt call in sick and screw their shift over (most worked sick). Many officers cancelled vacation so another officer could do something important with their family. Im proud to work for bcpd and support those i work beside daily, if you work for bcpd then you should be as well.
ReplyDeleteHow about this....all the police and firemen take the week off and just sit back and watch how much this city Implodes on its self and just see how quick the city screams to have them back ...how bout that idea
ReplyDeleteOK, so this is my first time to ever read or write on this site. I must say, I love the BCP Officers. I have several friends there. I thank you all for your work to protect us. I will also say that the #2 position in dispatch that is going to " Miss know it all" (that's what I call her) really belongs to someone else in that department who has put in at least 30 years of service. She is getting that job because of who she is married too and it isn't fair. It also isn't fair that Deputy Chief Chapman is over the department that his wife works in. That crap right there should never happen!
ReplyDeleteAnd another thing, they need to find another source for training the dispatchers. Clearly the way/person that has been doing it for the past year, isn't working to well for them. I don't understand why they can't see that. Oh well again, that all leads back to who you know or in this case maybe to who you're married too I guess.
ReplyDeleteJeez, folks, Number 2 is clearly the best qualified to be in that position and very capable of training other communications officers. She said so, that's why.
ReplyDeleteDon't you know that only Shriners or those related to them are the only ones capable of being smart enough to work for the city of Bossier City.