Walton County and City Law Enforcement

suggested reading

Allow me to suggest this for interesting reading:

http://www.waltonsun.com/articles/johnson_2027___article.html/ralph_sheriff.html

Very strong opinion from the editor..........and I agree. Ralph has got to go!

The high attrition rate in late 2005 / early 2006 was due to the change in administration. I can count five employees off the top of my head who jumped from the PD to the WCSO, and one who accepted a position with DOT and eventually went back to the WCSO ;-). Most - not all, but most - happened at the same time or before Mike took the reins. And, of course, several left after Mike came in.

If you want to compare apples to apples, compare 2006 in the DFSPD to 2000 in the WCSO. That's the only point I'm trying to make.

You are exactly correct that many people leave jobs for reasons other than being dissatisfied or being fired/ encouraged to depart. And I would guess a comparison to the sheriff in 2000 would reveal a simular rate as the PD. The points I am making is that all the candidates and their shrills are attacking each other with all sorts of truth, half-truth and out and out untruth and we all should be careful and analyze for ourselves.When things are true about a candidate, they should admit and move on. Mr. Cornman to his credit has owned his issue ( non-residency) and Ralph to his discredit has sent a spokesman or denied or blamed others or refused to answer. Mr. Adkinson should make sure he does not copy cat Ralph if he wants support.

Very strong opinion from the editor..........and I agree. Ralph has got to go!

The editor is to be commended for a well-researched article on the shortcomings of our soon to be (hopefully) ex-sheriff.

Read the letters to the Editor...

The editor is to be commended for a well-researched article on the shortcomings of our soon to be (hopefully) ex-sheriff.

I am very weary of speaking on this issue, but as someone who has covered almost all of these issues, I have to disagree with some statement's made in this editorial. I am in no way promoting or endorsing this candidate or any other.That's not my job and I don't get to have an opinion as a writer or even as a voter, due to my job. I have no issue with any other media source as well, but these statements bother me, because I can't find fact behind them.

In 2007-08, Johnson constructed a training range complete with driving track and rapelling tower. Cost, $345,824 (approximately).

It has never been constructed and if so, I'd like to see it. That project was given to the Triple G Committee to research and work on and it is still in the planning stages by the county to my knowledge. Johnson started it, but the BCC told him they had to bid it out and the WCSO turned the project over to them. The funding for this was also returned to the BCC. (BCC attorney stated that a capitol expense comes in when a building has to be constructed or the project is over a certain amount)

Johnson also contracted with Motorola in 2007-08 for a new communication system at a cost of $311,431. Neither of these big ticket items was let for bid or approved by anyone other than the sheriff himself. The debate on the legality of both is still unanswered.

When I covered the famous no-show meeting in Feb the County attorney stated, on record, that he believed Johnson was within his rights as a Constitutional Officer to bid the 911 equipment out. That was included in my write-up on that issue. My understanding is that the issue arose with this purchase from holding the funds to pay for them after the close of the fisical year, not from the purchase it'self.

Now we hear the IRS has assessed additional fines.

I have been chasing this rumor for over three weeks now and cannot find any viable source to confirm it.If you have one, please contact me.I have contacted the WCSO three times and all times they have catagorically denied this rumor.As I've said before, this is not opinion on my part, but factual information, that has been printed and on record for the first two statements. The third has not been printed by the publication I work for, because it is a rumor we cannot confirm.

I can only hope that voters can get factual information on all of the Gentlemen running for this office. Do your homework as voters and make the best choice for you, your family and your community, whomever you believe that may be.

I am very weary of speaking on this issue, but as someone who has covered almost all of these issues, I have to disagree with some statement's made in this editorial. I am in no way promoting or endorsing this candidate or any other.That's not my job and I don't get to have an opinion as a writer or even as a voter, due to my job. I have no issue with any other media source as well, but these statements bother me, because I can't find fact behind them.

In 2007-08, Johnson constructed a training range complete with driving track and rapelling tower. Cost, $345,824 (approximately).

It has never been constructed and if so, I'd like to see it. That project was given to the Triple G Committee to research and work on and it is still in the planning stages by the county to my knowledge. Johnson started it, but the BCC told him they had to bid it out and the WCSO turned the project over to them. The funding for this was also returned to the BCC. (BCC attorney stated that a capitol expense comes in when a building has to be constructed or the project is over a certain amount)

Johnson also contracted with Motorola in 2007-08 for a new communication system at a cost of $311,431. Neither of these big ticket items was let for bid or approved by anyone other than the sheriff himself. The debate on the legality of both is still unanswered.

When I covered the famous no-show meeting in Feb the County attorney stated, on record, that he believed Johnson was within his rights as a Constitutional Officer to bid the 911 equipment out. That was included in my write-up on that issue. My understanding is that the issue arose with this purchase from holding the funds to pay for them after the close of the fisical year, not from the purchase it'self.

Now we hear the IRS has assessed additional fines.

I have been chasing this rumor for over three weeks now and cannot find any viable source to confirm it.If you have one, please contact me.I have contacted the WCSO three times and all times they have catagorically denied this rumor.As I've said before, this is not opinion on my part, but factual information, that has been printed and on record for the first two statements. The third has not been printed by the publication I work for, because it is a rumor we cannot confirm.

I can only hope that voters can get factual information on all of the Gentlemen running for this office. Do your homework as voters and make the best choice for you, your family and your community, whomever you believe that may be.

Thank you for this information, In MO no one works harder to get the facts to the public than you.

I'd also like to know why the Sheriff did not participate in the Federal grant that paid for most of the communication upgrades for the rest of the county...

It is my understanding that the Sheriff should have bidded out the communication system, but did not.

IW, if you keep pounding your head against that red board, the least you'll get is an awful headache and the worst, a skull fracture.

Thank you for this information, In MO no one works harder to get the facts to the public than you.

I'd also like to know why the Sheriff did not participate in the Federal grant that paid for most of the communication upgrades for the rest of the county...

It is my understanding that the Sheriff should have bidded out the communication system, but did not.

Thanks SGG. I was very weary about putting a post out there on this subject but since I have had to cover it and put it in print, I can only hope other posters understand I would try and get facts out no matter what office they are about. Seeing a statement that something had been built that hasn't just kinda blew my mind.

I did an article on the 911 grant around the first of the year, if not earlier. The EOC communications person told me then that they had offered to include the WCSO in that grant as they did the DFSPD. I was told and reported on record that the WCSO ask to not be included since they had their own funding and had already contracted with Motorola. That article is archived in our office.

I should correct my earlier post and say that the County attorney stated that Johnson was within his rights to purchase the 911 system, due to him being a Constitutional officer. My personal understanding is there were two companies and the WCSO chose to go with Motororola. I do not know why. I do know that the County attorney is on record saying, in his opinion, that the WCSO was within their rights to purchase it during that no-show meeting. This article is also archived in our office.

The unconstruced track on the other hand was considered a capitol expense and had to undergo a bidding process by the BCC and was given back to them to bid out after being research by The Triple G comittiee. Early construction on it had began and then they were shut down and it was turned over to the BCC.

That's the only facts I know and thanks for the kind words. I, like many of the candidates, am more than ready for Aug 26th to pass, so we can all try to get back to business as usual and everything will stop revolving as much around local politics and rumors.

Edit......even though the sticking point on the 911 issue was not the bidding process, IMHO, any large purchase should undergo this process. But, even if they do, I have often seen that the lowest bidder does not always get the contract.

Thank you, aleonard....I agree, the communication system is a big ticket item and "should" be bidded out. It's also MO that a low bidder is not always the best bid, especially if the SO is already establisged with Motorola.....The communications system is still out dated and as I've mentioned before on this forum, the radios the deputies carry with them do not work in most areas of sowal. The car radios work, but not the hand held.......scary huh?

Really the issue is not whether the track has been built or the IRS has assessed more fines or whether the sky is falling, it is whether you like the current Sheriff. I voted for him the first time because I felt as though he was a change candidate, then I find he was not. The only thing that separates him from the one he replaced was he at least communicated to the public. I support Tom Cooper because I have known him for 12 or 13 years proefessionally. I have known him to be fair and honorable individual. I trust Tom to do what is right by the community, and the employees of the Sheriffs Department. I trust Tom that is the reason I will vote for Cooper.

Really the issue is not whether the track has been built or the IRS has assessed more fines or whether the sky is falling, it is whether you like the current Sheriff. I voted for him the first time because I felt as though he was a change candidate, then I find he was not. The only thing that separates him from the one he replaced was he at least communicated to the public. I support Tom Cooper because I have known him for 12 or 13 years proefessionally. I have known him to be fair and honorable individual. I trust Tom to do what is right by the community, and the employees of the Sheriffs Department. I trust Tom that is the reason I will vote for Cooper.

I agree with your statement in bold. I also know that everyone does not get all the facts right 100% all the time.Not me or any other reporter. But, my point was, I think due diligence in what you write or report to the public to be important.

Thanks as well for posting why you choose to vote for your candidate. I hope everyone will be able to make a clear choice, based on their own reasons, when entering the booth. I am a non-partisan, so, I won't get to vote in the Primary for sheriff, but I encourage everyone who can vote, to do so, for the candidate of their choice.

IW, if you keep pounding your head against that red board, the least you'll get is an awful headache and the worst, a skull fracture.

Man, my head was damaged long ago.

Thanks SGG. I was very weary about putting a post out there on this subject but since I have had to cover it and put it in print, I can only hope other posters understand I would try and get facts out no matter what office they are about. Seeing a statement that something had been built that hasn't just kinda blew my mind.

I did an article on the 911 grant around the first of the year, if not earlier. The EOC communications person told me then that they had offered to include the WCSO in that grant as they did the DFSPD. I was told and reported on record that the WCSO ask to not be included since they had their own funding and had already contracted with Motorola. That article is archived in our office.

I should correct my earlier post and say that the County attorney stated that Johnson was within his rights to purchase the 911 system, due to him being a Constitutional officer. My personal understanding is there were two companies and the WCSO chose to go with Motororola. I do not know why. I do know that the County attorney is on record saying, in his opinion, that the WCSO was within their rights to purchase it during that no-show meeting. This article is also archived in our office.

The unconstruced track on the other hand was considered a capitol expense and had to undergo a bidding process by the BCC and was given back to them to bid out after being research by The Triple G comittiee. Early construction on it had began and then they were shut down and it was turned over to the BCC.

That's the only facts I know and thanks for the kind words. I, like many of the candidates, am more than ready for Aug 26th to pass, so we can all try to get back to business as usual and everything will stop revolving as much around local politics and rumors.

Edit......even though the sticking point on the 911 issue was not the bidding process, IMHO, any large purchase should undergo this process. But, even if they do, I have often seen that the lowest bidder does not always get the contract.

I have found out that you are correct about the driving range and I should not have praised this error. I stand corrected. As to the whole 911 issue, the sheriff should have agreed to participate in the grant, should have attended the first meeting and should have bid the project out in the first place. Just MHO.

I have found out that you are correct about the driving range and I should not have praised this error. I stand corrected. As to the whole 911 issue, the sheriff should have agreed to participate in the grant, should have attended the first meeting and should have bid the project out in the first place. Just MHO.

Not arguing any of that.......just posting what was said during those meetings, as I reported them and the article I did on the grants.

Below is factual information and comparison of local law enforcement in Walton County and the City of DeFuniak Springs. It shows budget cost, crime stats and attrition rates. The truth is very interesting.

Budget comparison for Law Enforcement in Walton County​

Total 2008 Walton County SO budget is $15,053,110.00

Total 2007 population living in the county was 51,805

• This equates to $290,572.53 spent per 1000 citizens for law enforcement by the WaltonCountySO.

Total 2008 DeFuniak Springs PD budget is $1,746,480.00

Total 2007 population living in DeFuniak Springs was 5,288

• This equates to $330,272.31 spent per 1000 citizen for law enforcement by the DeFuniak Springs PD.

It is easy to see that the DeFuniak Springs PD spends $39,699.78 per 1000 citizens more than the SO does.

We all know that Johnson has not been a fiscal conservative of county taxpayer money, but if that is so then Adkinson is horrendous. He has a lot higher budget per citizen than the SO.

All above data can be proven by visiting the below websites and page numbers:

ftp://gisftp.co.walton.fl.us/County_Website/OMB/08/FY%2008%20Approved%20Budget.pdf (page 9)

http://www.defuniaksprings.net/budgetexpenditures07-08.pdf (page 5)

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/FSAC/UCR/2007/CoMuOff2007annual.pdf (page 67)

Comparison of 2007 Crime in the County against 2007 Crime in the City​

(How is this wasteful spending Adkinson is doing working?)​

MAJOR CRIME NUMBERS FOR WCSO​

? Forcible Rapes 4?or 1 for every 12,951 citizens
? Robbery 5 ? or 1 for every 10,361 citizens
? Agg Assault 80 ? or 1 for every 648 citizens
? Burglary 179 ? or 1 for every 289 citizens
? Larceny 756 ? or 1 for every 69 citizens​

MAJOR CRIME NUMBERS FOR DFSPD​

? Forcible Rapes 2? or 1 for every 2,644 citizens
? Robbery 7 ? or 1 for every 755 citizens
? Agg Assault 44 ? or 1 for every 120 citizens
? Burglary 71 ? or 1 for every 74 citizens
? Larceny 109 ? or 1 for every 48 citizens​

When looking at this data it is easy to see that the law enforcement services provided by the DFSPD which cost taxpayers $39,699.78 more per 1000 citizens is inferior (worse) even though it cost more.

All the above data on population and crimes can be proven by visiting the below website:

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/FSAC/UCR/2007/CoMuOff2007annual.pdf (page 67)

How Walton County and City Law Enforcement Attrition (officers leaving) rate compares to the state average​

The WaltonCounty Sheriff?s Office had a 2007 officer population of 141

The WaltonCounty Sheriff?s Office had a 2007 officer attrition of 21

• This shows that the Walton County Sheriff?s Office had an attrition rate of 15% or 1.5 officers out of every 10 leave.

• The average attrition rate for Sheriff?s Offices in Florida is 5% which is 10% lower than the Walton County SO.

To many officers are leaving the SO


The DeFuniak Springs Police Department had a 2007 officer population of 18

The DeFuniak Springs Police Department had a 2007 officer attrition of 5

• This shows that the DeFuniak Springs Police Department had an attrition rate of 28% or 2.8 officers out of every 10 leave or more than one in every four.

• The average attrition rate for police departments in Florida is 7.5% which is 20.5% lower than the DFSPD.

DeFuniak Springs Police Department has a much larger attrition problem.

All the above data on officer population and attrition can be proven by visiting the below websites:

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_so_le.html (SO Officer Population)
http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_so_le.html (SO Attrition)

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/demographics/demo_pd.html (PD Officer Population)
http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/cjap/2007/statistics/attr_pd.html (PD Attrition)

CONCLUSION

DeFuniak Springs Police Department under the management of Michael Adkinson Jr. spends more money per citizen for law enforcement services, has more crime per citizen and even has a higher attrition (officer leaving) rate than the Walton County Sheriff?s office does. We need a change in Walton County but Adkinson is not the change we need. Check the facts out and become an informed voter.

Wow!

Still, I still think Adkinson should be greatly considered for the job. He is a homegrown boy, seems to take care of his fellow native Waltonians by giving them decent jobs and is apparently related to the "right people". For example, I hear he is a close relative of our great former sheriff, Quinn McMillian, and first cousin to Commissioner Scott Brannon. His uncle is City of DeFuniak Springs'; attorney, and Freeport, I think. I also understand his second in command at the City Police is the Mayor's (DeFuniak Springs) nephew. I, personally, believe in taking care of our natives, not so much the outsiders.

I would guess he would surround himself, when elected sheriff, with native Waltonians?, just as he has done with the City Police. By doing so, and being related to the "right people (such as noted above)" should help him deliver us a greater Walton County Sheriff's Office.

This is just a few reasons you should consider when voting for sheriff. I?ll be back later for other reasons for you to consider when time to vote for Adkinson.

Forget about all the numbers above. Vote for one of us...
You "Yankees, "Snowbirds, or "Outsiders," well I guess you vote too.

Go Adkinson!!

Wow!

Still, I still think Adkinson should be greatly considered for the job. He is a homegrown boy, seems to take care of his fellow native Waltonians by giving them decent jobs and is apparently related to the "right people". For example, I hear he is a close relative of our great former sheriff, Quinn McMillian, and first cousin to Commissioner Scott Brannon. His uncle is City of DeFuniak Springs'; attorney, and Freeport, I think. I also understand his second in command at the City Police is the Mayor's (DeFuniak Springs) nephew. I, personally, believe in taking care of our natives, not so much the outsiders.

I would guess he would surround himself, when elected sheriff, with native Waltonians?, just as he has done with the City Police. By doing so, and being related to the "right people (such as noted above)" should help him deliver us a greater Walton County Sheriff's Office.

This is just a few reasons you should consider when voting for sheriff. I?ll be back later for other reasons for you to consider when time to vote for Adkinson.

Forget about all the numbers above. Vote for one of us...
You "Yankees, "Snowbirds, or "Outsiders," well I guess you vote too.

Go Adkinson!!

Thank you for providing an "outsider" with further input on who I should vote for. I had already decided to vote for Mr. Cooper but your information helps solidify my decision. If this was meant "tongue in cheek" then it is darn funny.

Gotta love a sarcasm laced post like that. Nice job DFSboy.

Question though, I think we all have heard abou the whole who Mike Adkinson's uncle is, but where do you come up with the conclusions he is related to McMillian or Brannon?

I don't truly care if he is related to McMillian, but it is interesting if he is related to Comm. Brannon. Not sure it really matters, but it is interesting.

On the other hand, I have to question the credibility of a post clearly intended to be negative.

Six Degrees

Wow!

Still, I still think Adkinson should be greatly considered for the job. He is a homegrown boy, seems to take care of his fellow native Waltonians by giving them decent jobs and is apparently related to the "right people". For example, I hear he is a close relative of our great former sheriff, Quinn McMillian, and first cousin to Commissioner Scott Brannon. His uncle is City of DeFuniak Springs'; attorney, and Freeport, I think. I also understand his second in command at the City Police is the Mayor's (DeFuniak Springs) nephew. I, personally, believe in taking care of our natives, not so much the outsiders.

I would guess he would surround himself, when elected sheriff, with native Waltonians?, just as he has done with the City Police. By doing so, and being related to the "right people (such as noted above)" should help him deliver us a greater Walton County Sheriff's Office.

This is just a few reasons you should consider when voting for sheriff. I?ll be back later for other reasons for you to consider when time to vote for Adkinson.

Forget about all the numbers above. Vote for one of us...
You "Yankees, "Snowbirds, or "Outsiders," well I guess you vote too.

Go Adkinson!!

Wow, I too hear he takes care of the locals... Is he related to the DOT Officer who hangs out up there? How bout that WCSO female officer who keeps singing his praises? Who is he Not related to?

As for Yankee, Snowbird or Outsiders, that's a bit harsh. Do not forget where all the money and revenue comes from.

I'm not related, course I am an outsider so I don't count.

New contribution reports are posted at http://www.voterfocus.com/ws/WScand/candidate_pr.php?op=cv&e=6&c=walton&ca=83&rellevel=4&committee=N

Interesting. Jay Odom going BIG ($2,500) for Adkinson. Also ANOTHER beverage consultant (see Cornman) going for Adkinson.

Since princesspea suggested www.sunbiz.org, new things come to light.

Follow the $$$

New contribution reports are posted at http://www.voterfocus.com/ws/WScand/candidate_pr.php?op=cv&e=6&c=walton&ca=83&rellevel=4&committee=N

Interesting. Jay Odom going BIG ($2,500) for Adkinson. Also ANOTHER beverage consultant (see Cornman) going for Adkinson.

Since princesspea suggested www.sunbiz.org, new things come to light.

Follow the money, one knows not what they'll find...;-)

Gotta love a sarcasm laced post like that. Nice job DFSboy.

Question though, I think we all have heard abou the whole who Mike Adkinson's uncle is, but where do you come up with the conclusions he is related to McMillian or Brannon?

I don't truly care if he is related to McMillian, but it is interesting if he is related to Comm. Brannon. Not sure it really matters, but it is interesting.

On the other hand, I have to question the credibility of a post clearly intended to be negative.

Johnny Post,

Negative? I think not. I am clearly advocating the homegrown voters, like me, to consider voting for Mike Adkinson. I would guess your're a "Snowbird, "Yankee, or otherwise "Outsider", however. Such Walton population, apparently like you, caused Sheriff Johnson to be re-elected the last time. Not us homegrown voters.

Really, Go Adkinson!!

DFS Boy:

10 years ago the population of Walton County was about 25,000. Today the population is about 55,000. Therefore, do you really think it is smart to P*** off over half the voters by calling them "outsiders" and yankees?" If I had not already made up my mind who to vote for, you would have just convinced me.

S/ the outsider

Wow, I too hear he takes care of the locals... Is he related to the DOT Officer who hangs out up there? How bout that WCSO female officer who keeps singing his praises? Who is he Not related to?

As for Yankee, Snowbird or Outsiders, that's a bit harsh. Do not forget where all the money and revenue comes from.

The Wather,

Most likely the "DOT Officer" is a homegrown Walton native who is preparing for a job under soon-to-be Walton County Sheriff Adkinson (hopeful). I don't blame the Officer or Adkinson for their apparent close relationship. Adkinson should take care of the "Originals' (locals)" first and foremost, as I believe he does. If I was elected to such a position I, too, would surround myself people with people that had significant family ties to Walton, thereby being worth a few votes come next election. Just plain common sense politics.

But I can't understand whose side you?re on. And, as far at the "WCSO female officer," well at least she's not scared of getting fired, uh?

If the "Yankees, "Snowbirds, or otherwise "Outsiders" of Walton County re-elect Sheriff Johnson, maybe we homegrown natives (mostly in the north-end) should let them have that south-end, and their "money and revenue?" Two separate counties? Moreover, this is probably why Adkinson has seemingly concentrated his great campaign on the north-end. Hopefully the north-end will take back the elections in this county.

Go Adkinson!!