Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheriff details local fentanyl seizures and warns state recruiting could hollow county forces
Summary
Sheriff Steve Dawson described recent task-force operations that led to fentanyl seizures and arrests and urged residents to contact state legislators after learning of planned State Police recruiting and stationing practices he said may draw certified officers away from county departments.
Sheriff Steve Dawson told commissioners the countyb—b——————————————————————————————department that task-force work recently resulted in arrests and a fentanyl seizure; he said officers recovered what he described as "155 fentanyl capsules and 42 grams of raw fentanyl, the street value of over $8,000." He credited task-force investigators and local uniformed assistance for the prolonged investigation and arrest operation.
Dawson went on to criticize a proposed State Police recruiting model he said would reduce county staffing. He said the plan would allow candidates to become troopers after a two-week enlistment course and that the state would offer recruiting incentives, including a $60,000 starting salary, four-day work weeks and $80-per-hour overtime opportunities. "They're paying starting amount $60,000 a year, and they're working 4 day weeks... they're guaranteeing take-home cruisers," he said, arguing rural counties cannot compete.
Commissioners discussed the point and noted the county commissioners association and Sheriff's Association had raised similar concerns. The commission encouraged residents to contact state legislators about the proposal. The item was a briefing and discussion; no formal commission action followed.
