DSA elections have been held, and we have two new directors on the 2008 board. Actually, the way it unfolded, we have one returning director Tammy Bennetts, one former director Tim Petrachek, and last but not least our newest director Steve Purvis. I congratulate the three of you and look forward to working with everyone.

Installation
Our recent installation was well attended, and I wish to thank First District Supervisor Greg Cox for doing us the honor of swearing in the board. Our guest speaker, the Honorable Peter Gallagher from the San Diego Superior Court, delivered both an inspiring and heartfelt speech.

Undersheriff Bill Gore and several members of command staff were present, along with representatives from fellow associations and contract cities, our legal team, and state and local elected officials. The entire board wishes to extend their gratitude for your support, and we all look forward to continuing the current level of open communication and cooperation with everyone affiliated with the DSA.

PAC
2008 is already turning into one of the most politically charged years we—as a country, state, and county—will face. The phone calls from those wishing to schedule interviews for various political seats are increasing daily. PAC Chairman Ponzio Oliverio and his committee are undoubtedly going to be very busy for the rest of the year.

Group of 70
As the spokesperson for the membership, I have been afforded the opportunity to attend the department’s Group of 70 meetings. These meeting are held off site to discuss various topics and issues affecting the department and its members. This allows issues to be dealt with as a group.

At this last meeting, I had the opportunity to listen to a lecture by former Pima County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D. He authored a book entitled Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement. All I have to say is that everyone on the department (and their families) should consider reading this book. Dr. Gilmartin speaks about the hypervigilant state deputies must work themselves in to, so that they have the elevated awareness necessary for officer survival.

In short, while this works well to keep us safe while at work, do we need to be hypervigilant at home with our families?  Dr. Gilmartin feels that we often fail to recognize and come down from the elevated state, which in the long run causes us to falter when dealing with both our families and friends. I know you still don’t know what I’m taking about, but I hope this has generated some interest.

I spoke to Dr. Gilmartin after his presentation, and with his permission, we will be reprinting a few of the articles he has written on the subject in future issues of the Silver Star. Do I believe all of you will run and read up on this subject? Of course not. But realizing that a problem may exist is the first step in solving the problem itself.

Consolidation of Classes
Lastly, many of you from the detentions side have continuously asked about the “Consolidation of Classes” report that Lt. Jim Duffy was assigned to work on in 2007. At this time, I wish to inform you that we have been provided a copy of it for our review and plan to get back to the department concerning the report on or about February 11. We believe that whatever decision the department makes about consolidating the classes based on the information contained in this report will be made for the good of the whole department and not just one class.

With that said, I’m going to draw up a scenario and let you make the decision in the end. If we decide not to make any changes in classes, what comes next? A detentions commander? I know there is supposed to be a career path, but how do you say the following to an LE captain: yes, we know you may have been in charge of a patrol station, Homicide, SID, SED, and a host of other commands, but you won’t be selected for detentions commander, because we need to pick someone from within that bureau.

What kind of peace officer powers will this person have in case of another natural disaster? How can this person believe that with no field experience or an LE frame of mind (the ability to use discretion outside of a controlled environment) that he or she can be a leader to not only veteran first and second line supervisors, but also hypervigilant deputies. It’s only a scenario folks.

Take care, stay healthy and safe. 