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Police Memorial reminds us Division should be above meddling. |
Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs' constant meddling in the administration of the Police Division is casting a pall over the agency, leaving career law enforcement officials dismayed and disgruntled.
If there is one thing for sure, it is that Robinson-Briggs' politicization of the Police Division has severely damaged morale at all levels and promoted dissension by establishing a culture of 'winners' (those who get special treatment by sucking up to Her Honor) and 'losers' (everyone else).
Issues range from manipulation of the civil service system to promote favorites, to who gets gritty assignments (or not), and the doling out of overtime and special duty perks.
Sharon seems to have learned nothing after the exposure of her 'bodyguard' fraud of a few years ago, and continues to play favorites as if she is going to be Queen-of-the-hill forever.
Meanwhile, Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig came before the Charter Study Commission and talked a good game about how directors need to stand up to pressure from a Mayor to exercise favoritism, among other things. Too bad he is such a poor example of what he preaches.
Whoever becomes mayor in January 2014 will have their hands full addressing the morale of the Police Division. First and foremost will be establishing a system of fair and equitable dealing and making sure everyone abides by it. That implies putting a Director in place who will knock heads if necessary and making sure everyone both pitches in and toes the line.
Time for the gravy train to come to the end of the line.
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2 comments:
True that, Dan. We need to be rid of Hellwig and get our chief back. I'm sure glad Sharon's leaving. It's not soon enouh for me.
the first one 2 go should be martin hellwig,.
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