Deseret News | Reader comments: Utah County deputies may face big cutbacks

Reader comments
Utah County deputies may face big cutbacks

CougarKeith | 1:11 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I feel very badly for Utah County, and their Sherriff Deputy problem. I hope they get the funding they need. This is really sad, I really feel bad for them.

Ute Fan | 5:28 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

One of the last things to cut that city, county and state government should consider is public safety. As the economy stalls and tax revenues shrink crime will go up.

concerned citizen | 6:00 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I also feel bad for Utah County but it doesn't sound like a Sheriff's Deputy problem. It sounds like its a problem for county residents. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know less cops mean more crime.

Comments continue below

Itsjustme | 6:44 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

In times where tax revenue decreases, you need to adjust your budget accordingly. If it is a family that were to lose a source of income, they would need to do the same. If the county increases taxes to obtain more money, it may just push these families that are struggling to make ends meet, over the edge.

The economic downturn that parts of the country are experiencing now, will not last forever. All you need to do is look at the big cities in the East, and what they are doing. They keep increasing their taxes to make up short-falls, and more people leave to get away from the ever-increasing taxes.

With people having their homes foreclosed on in increasing numbers because they can't make the payment, increasing taxes would push even more people into foreclosure.

Steve | 6:55 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

When a private company has a budget shortfall they cut less essential services. When a government agency has a budget shortfall they cut the most visible services to put pressure on for more bidget allocation and/or increased taxes.

downsize | 7:00 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

my experience with the utah county sheriff's department is that they spend too much time trying to build cases against innocent people. they simply need to reasses their priorities. and stop wasting tax payers' money.

Citizen | 7:15 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

During this economic crisis crime will go up. I have small kids and I fear for their safety enough as it is. I moved to Utah County because it is a great place to raise children. I lived in California and I know some of the problems they face. We have it good here. This is one of the best communities in the nation. It has become so for a reason. If we start cutting our law enforcement in this time of crisis, we will be putting our children more at risk. I read the news and take an active role in making sure my kids are safe. Mark my words... we will be sorry if we ignore this problem. We want officers out there protecting us and our families. We should not stand for this declining safety of our families. Heaven forbid I have to pay an extra $20 for the safety of my family. Trust me... it's well worth the investment. If you don't agree now, I'm sure you will if you or a loved one becomes a victim of a crime that could have been prevented. DUI drivers kill many people each year.

Ace | 8:03 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

These are the guys who spend a great deal of time in Salt Lake County wiring homes for civil divorce proceedings. Go ahead and cut their budgets. Good agencies will pick up the slack.

Anonymous | 8:05 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Why aren't the commissioners, more specifically Commissioner White, accountable for spending the excess funding and draining that account was supposed to fill in the gap at a time like this?

The tax increase would only mean a small amount per household, per year. It would be $8 per person, per year, to not lose police services. It is a small amount to pay to not have our crime rate rise. Commissioner White is a thief, and he needs to answer to the taxpayers about where he spent this money we so desperately need right now.

I would rather have the tax increase than lose officers. We have the second highest population, and the lowest tax base in Utah. All the commissioners care about is being re-elected. They don't care about the citizens, just themselves. They need to do what is best for everyone. Their budget went up $60,000 for next year, but EVERY OTHER DEPARTMENT suffered severe cuts. They get their pay raise in January, the rest of the employees in July. Take a look at what they are doing, it is WRONG!!

The question is | 8:06 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

why is the Sheriff's office being hit so hard? 5.9. million is alot to cut. You would think that the commisiners that were elected to fund these assets would have planned better?

Given that this county hasn't seen a tax hike in 13 years, I'd gladly pay $20-$30 or more a year to keep these guys going. The last place to cut in bad times is law enforcement.

Unwise cuts | 8:14 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The sheriff's deputies are stretched too thin as it is. Cutting back on police protection for our communities at a time of increasing crime and traffic problems is just plain dumb.

Upset Citizen | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

It is my understanding that to fix this problem, Utah County residents would need to pay an additional 8 dollars a year in property taxes. Yet, county commisioners, who are clearly more concerned about their jobs than our public safety, are unwilling to raise taxes at all. Furthermore, Utah County recently allocated over one million in funds to a museum at the privately held Thanksgiving Point. How much sense does it make to open a museum at the cost of public safety? We can read in this same paper every day about the many criminals these men and women take off the streets. Certainly there would be even more if they had the resources. Rather than just reading this article or posting a comment, we should all call the commisioners of Utah County directly and demand accountablilty for such a ill-conceived budget cut. I will today.

Utah County Mother | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I'm really concerned about this whole issue. It doesn't make sense to take Sheriff Deputies off the road. We are going to be loosing 18 officers, which is 1/3 of the total county Deputies. These deputies keep our canyons, outlying areas, county parks, unincorporated areas and some of the smaller cities, (that don't have their own police departments) safe from crime that happens there: drugs, alcohol, sex crimes, violence, gang activity, search and rescue, ect. Where do the criminals like to go? Out where they think no one can find them. Cut down on the law enforcement in those areas and we are shooting ourselves in the back. It would cost $20 a year per household to keep the Deputies there. That's $1.50 a month! BIG DEAL! I'll pay an extra $1.50 a month to know that my family is going to be protected! I know these deputies didn't get into this profession for the money, they do it to serve the people of this county. Hats off to them. We need to let the county commissioners know that they are putting this county in jeopardy. They are opening our doors to crime. Something needs to be done.

Anybody watching? | 8:44 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Didn't the commissioners just vote themselves a huge raise? Are they going to cut back? Don't put it on property taxes. Yes we will get through the hard times eventually but the increase will never go away. Just like Springville voted a bond election and that will increase residents property taxes. Perfect timing! We need a huge new library when people are losing their jobs, cutting back on food and the necessities of life. What were the supporters thinking? When the bond is paid for the property taxes will NOT go down. Then we will be like NJ paying evermore higher property taxes.

Jason | 8:47 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Well, we spent that 200 million dollars to "earthquake proof" our Utah state capital. Now, THAT was a great use of our state's revenue. Now IF an earthquake occurs it may not fall down.

To Ace | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

This story is about the Utah County Sheriff's Department, not Salt Lake County.

Interesting | 9:06 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I find it interesting that when there is trouble, your life is in the balance and "seconds" count that citizens feel they are protected by dialing 911 and the police aren't even there yet, but the police will be there in "minutes", just tell the criminal to wait.

Security is only a word. people need to protect themselves UNTIL the police can get there. Criminals biggest concern is an armed victim. Let's see, I don't think I've ever heard of an armed victim. I've only heard of "victim", unarmed at that.

Perhaps crime will go down if most citizens in good standing were to be armed.

Tired of it | 9:09 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Everyone needs to be smart about their budget during these bad economic times. Why is it that the politicians always cut the areas that have the biggest impact on the citizens? Easy answer, so they can pressure us for new tax increases. When I have financial shortfalls, I don't keep cable TV and Jazz tickets while shutting off the gas, then whine to my boss about it being cold. Why do the commissioners feel that this is the way to run things? I guess having 2 commissioners with no experience running a business being led by one who has run two businesses into the ground explains things.

Jones? Who is Jones | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I am reading the article, and all of a sudden this "Jones" pops up and the canyon enforcement issue is covered. Who is this "Jones"? Since his or her full name and position relative to the story is not there, why should I care what he or she says?

Journalism 101..........

would of, should of, could of, | 9:35 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

What has been done is done fix the current problems. Get involved. call your commisioners ands elected officials make them accountable for what they do. Voice your opinions to them not these newspaper web pages.

who to call | 10:03 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Crime goes up, taxes don't increase in 12 years, and yet we are cutting law enforcement. Doesn't make sense. Is this an issue with the sheriff's department or do we need to go higher to find an answer. An above comment said to contact the commissioners and elected officials. Does anyone have some contact information for these people so I can write a letter or e-mail about this?

C.W. | 10:24 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The thing that citizens need to do is get more involved with their city and county councils. When times are getting tight as they are now I would challenge ALL citizens to attend city and county mtgs. You'd be surprised what you will learn. But the bottom line is that many of the previous comment writers are right in that the counties (or the cities) will ALWAYS cut very essential services when they're up against the wall on the budget. In all fairness though, the sheriffs budget may be quite inflated from previous years, because police and fire ALWAYS seem to be able to make a case to increase their budgets.
The more I'm around these city and county mtgs. the more I can conclude that the feds. have GOT NOTHING ON THESE GUYS WHEN IT COMES TO spending YOUR money!

something to think about | 10:40 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I would never wish any harm or even death to a deputy. If they cut back on Law enforcement and a deputy does get hurt or dies because of lack of staffing due to the commissioners not doing the right thing. Think of the law suit they would have. I dare say the county would lose millions and White would be at the top of the list.

I'll tell you who Jones is... | 10:40 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

It says his full name right there in the 5th line of the article. It even goes as far to say "Jones, who heads the Canyon Area Enforcement Team, one of the county's proactive enforcement teams" ...what more information do you need to see the vital role he plays that would cause him to be concerned? He and his team are obviously making a difference! So you SHOULD care what he says...he and his team are most likely the ones that are keeping you and your family safe from that idiot driver who is driving drunk or on drugs! You should be saying "Thank you!"

Johny Fairplay | 11:17 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Ace is addressing allocation of a scarce resource.

JayB | 11:51 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The commissioners should have been figuring this budget out along the way, don't you think? It seems as they have been worrying about their reelections more then tax increases spread out, rather then one lump sum when everything gets beyond help. Steve White just got reelected without any challenge, yet he has been there the longest, while this was happening on "his watch"! How does he sleep at night with his huge salary, and horrible decision making? It is easy to blame the sheriff or other county departments, but he should start with himself. YOU are the longest one on the commission. Good work on that budget Steve. I hope if you ever have an emergency, that the deputies take a dog call before your emergency.

re: C.W. | 12:07 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

You're Right! I can't argue with anything you say.

Let's suppose that instead of announcing cuts that the Sheriff's office said, "we are adding 30 more people to our task force" I'm certain that the comments would be, "what are they thinking? We don't need more police".

Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I think there is some exaggeration going on. The County doesn't "run" the Major Crimes Task Force or the Sex Crimes Task Force. Also, the county sheriff is responsible for the citizens in unincorporated areas, as well as some smaller contract cities. The vast majority of the county residence live in cities with there own police departments, and would never notice fewer deputies. So while I agree that law enforcement should take priorty at budget time, I dont think scare tactics are the way to go.

Hiatt | 12:43 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

All choice comes with consequence. We are living in one of the direst financial periods our nation has known because those who had stewardship ignored warning signs and bypassed safety procedures.

It is disturbing, that as a society, we fail to see the correlation of cause and effect. We already live in a society where peace officers, especially the Utah County Sheriffï¿½s Office, are understaffed, undermanned, and underpaid. Now our elected leaders choose to deplete the ranks and resources of those who protect and serve our communities.

By continuing to limit funding, staffing, and equipment for our police agencies, and jail space for offenders, we as a society will create devastating consequences; the financial costs to replenish what we propose to take will be insurmountable. We will endanger those who serve us, and we will attract criminals to our communitiesï¿½where we have announced they will have the least chance of getting caught.

$8.00 a year seems like a small price to pay for our continued safety. $16.00 a year would be a sound investment.

concerned | 12:49 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I would ask you all to educate yourselves about the Utah County budget. Utah County is the second most populated county in the State. They have a 79 million budget. Davis and Weber combined have roughly the same population and have a combined annual budget of 200 plus million. The concern I have is if I am recreating in American Fork Canyon, Provo Canyon, or any of the other areas not incorporated in city jurisdictions and my son or daughter is assaulted, burglarized, raped or murdered who will solve that crime. If the Sheriff's Office has deputies cut who will I, or you, call. This may seem to some to be a tax issue. I view it as a service and protection issue. Is it not the primary function of government to protect a person and their property. Are we really willing to jeopardize this primary function. If you are concerned too, do as I have and write, e-mail and call your elected representatives.

Reader | 1:45 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

How about cutting what I am sure are plenty of do-nothing employees whose jobs have no direct impact on the citizens of the county? I believe they are called "non-essential." Public safety is very essential.

reader | 2:00 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The budget process is rather misleading. When the County talks about cutting 5 million, it is not cut from existing spending. It is a reduction in the budget request. And the Sheriff always asks for a great deal more than he expects to get approved.

For example he might ask for 50 million but get 35 million. This is reported as a 15 million dollar cut. But if last year he actually spent 34 million, it is actually a 1 million dollar increase in his actual money.

This is a game played by all county departments. In reality the Sheriff will make adjustments and everything will be fine. If crime is up in the canyons he will assign more deputies to that area and reduce the deputies needed in low or no crime patrols. That is what will really happen.

The Courts are full | 2:07 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The cost of fines are out of sight
Just what are these people trying to pull?
Every where you turn is a cop car
?????????????????????????????????

Anonymous | 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Reader, obviously you don't get it. The sheriff's office is going to lose 18 positions. He did not ask for more, and he is being asked to cut down to much less than what he got last year. I wish what you were saying was true. In contrast, the commissioners got $60,000 more than last year. They have squandered away the rainy day funds, too.

Grateful | 3:38 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

As a Utah county tax payer, I am grateful to the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff's Office as well as all other branches of law enforcement. I would gladly pay an extra $1.50 or so a month to feel safe in my home located in the county area. I want to know that if I call 911, some one will be there quickly to help me, no matter if I am in Eagle Mountain or lost up Spanish Fork Canyon. The choice to cut the Sheriff's Office funding by the Commissioners, means fewer Deputies, fewer Deputies means much longer response times and the greater risk of someone getting hurt, victimized, or dying. You never know what you have until it is gone! A few dollars a month is a small price to pay.

My thanks goes out to those who work all hours to keep us safe! The phrase, "No one will hurt you, not on my watch!" Comes to mind. The great thing about this country is people if they want can make a difference if they try. Make contact!

Commissioner White - SteveW.UCADM@state.ut.us
Commissioner Anderson - GaryA.UCADM@state.ut.us
Commissioner Ellison - LarryE.UCADM@state.ut.us

wake up... | 4:00 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I think there is some exaggeration going on. You are right. By several whom think they know. The sheriff is responsible for the unincorporated areas of the county. (All 1801 Square miles) in this area alone there were over 8000 offences last year . What do you suppose these are? I know one was a brutal rape. Doesnï¿½t affect you? I will bet it affects this victim and this victimï¿½s family. The cost of fines are out of sight? I take it you just got a ticket for something. Do the cops make you nervous? Why? Not following the guidelines set by society? Cuts in the canyons? Great idea...until the teenagers die from overdoses, assaults or car accidents. How many people have been in American Fork canyon as of late? 1.4 million or so last year. Remember most of it is closed during the winter months. You do the math. You still believe there are too many cops. You might want to re-evaluate.

To: | 4:19 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

reader posted at 2:00pm on nov. 19. YOU are misinformaed. There is alledged missing money from a county contingency fund (this was according to the commission, ot the sheriff). This was spent by Comm. White and not replaced. They want 5.9 million taken from the current Sheriff's Office budget. The Sheriff is not asking for more money he just wants to keep what he has in order to provide for public safety.

As for shifting patrol to troubled areas, you are again flawed. If staff is reduced to only one or two deputies in the South end of the county then thats it. If both are in the canyon because this is a "high crime" area and something occurs in the valley it could be an hour until someone is there. You send one deputy in the "high crime" area and one in the valley then no one is there to back the canyon deputy if he gets in trouble. There's no ploy for money they just want to keep what they had.

Just as concerned | 4:36 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

READER, you are a moron! You have no idea what you are talking about. The Sheriff's Office is being CUT 18 positions that Already Exist, not 18 positions that are projected for future enforcement. That means it is possible that some members of the Utah County Sheriff's Office could become unemployed just after Christmas...WONDERFUL PRESENT! ALL INDIVIDUALS that come to these types of forums and bash Law Enforcement, are the individuals that the rest of the Law Abiding community should be leary of. They are the individuals that can't seem to walk the straight and narrow and find themselves in Jail or paying fines in Court......Their opinion regardings the above matter..mrans ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!

Concerned Parent | 11:34 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008

I read all the time about all the sickos, pervs and druggies that the Sheriff's Office pulls off the streets. Not to mention the DUI's, and other violent crime they handle every day. I read that the budget cut for the sheriff was originally supposed to be bigger, which would have meant laying off officers for sure. If the commissioners don't fix this problem now, next year there will be layoffs and regardless of how you feel about cops keeping their jobs, fewer cops means more crime.
More opportunity for lowlifes and criminals to hurt your family and your children. The Commission needs to be accountable for it's spending. The county hasn't increased taxes in 18 years, for the second highest population we have the lowest county income and budget. What gives? Who keeps these people in office? All they seem to care about is their own hundred thousand dollar a year paycheck. They don't care about us, they don't care about keeping you safe. They know people don't like the words tax increase so they stay away from what is needed to keep their cushy job. So much for civil service.

Excessive manpower | 4:35 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008

With the exception of the jail the Utah County Sheriff's Office has always had too many officers for the population they serve. They are responsible for a small portion of Utah County. They always seem to have extra officers for a special project. Compare officer to citizen served ratios and the County is way overstaffed. The County should NOT be raising taxes right now. This will just bring the staffing into the proper levels.

Let those who use pay | 4:39 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008

The Sheriff only represents unincorporated areas and Eagle Mountain. Let those citizens take the rate increases. Would the unincorporated areas pay increased fees to pay for law enforcement within Spanish Fork, Payson, etc. city limits?

You are crazy | 10:28 a.m. Nov. 21, 2008

Those of you who think that the Sheriff's office is unessential are nuts. Who runs the Jail in your community? Where do all these criminals go? Who runs the dispatch for 90% of local police agencies? Who backs up most of these cases? Where does the SWAT team, Major Crimes task Force, Joint Criminal Apprehension Task Force, Sex Crimes Task Force all come from? The Sheriff's Office. Guess where these cuts are going to come from? Enforcement and detention, the So is going to lose officers it already has! Many devisions are already working UNDERSTAFFED so if you think it will bring staffing to "proper" levels you really are out of your mind.
Take away sheriff's deputies and that increases the burden on all the other agencies, local or State Troopers. And when that burden is increased, that means a thinner spread workforce and longer wait times for help to arrive. EVERYONE will feel this if the commission doesn't act to fix the problem. A bandaid is NOT the answer.

Skippy | 5:45 p.m. Nov. 21, 2008

Don't get rid of David Synder. He is the best thing that happened to the Ut. County Sherriff Department.

Utah County Sheriff's areas | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008

For those that think that the sheriff's office only takes care of the residents in the unincorporated areas of the county are very misinformed. You see the county that is unincorporated totals 1801 square miles. Think about how big this is. They are also responsible for all those who visit all those areas outside of the cities. Take the canyons and 5 mile pass areas only. I am sure that those areas together get around 4-5 million people who visit and recreate. Who is to take care of them? There are minimum staffing numbers to show how many deputies should be working these areas and we are still short of those numbers. Taking any more makes it that much harder to do the job right.

Too many deputies responsed | 9:55 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008

"There are minimum staffing numbers to show how many deputies should be working these areas and we are still short of those numbers. Taking any more makes it that much harder to do the job right."
(AND WE ARE STILL SHORT......) sounds like way to many deputies are able to find the time to respond to these articles and try and spread the scare tactics.

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