Walton Deputies To Unionize.

[Creeklover]

How could rank have been protected? If the ability to demote was not a possibility then the deputy would not have had a job. Deputies have to be re-appointed every four years when the Sheriff is re-appointed, and I can not think of how you could force someone to appoint someone else if they chose not too. Not to say that you may not have to keep paying them, but if you refuse to appoint them then what?

And would administrative rank positions be protected? So you are saying that the citizens of Walton County can go and overwhelmingly tell someone that they now want them to be Sheriff to make the changes that need to be made, but one last thing, you have to keep all the people in place that have not been doing what we want done during the last administration.

It is my understanding that if a PBA union is in place that when a new Admin comes in that top positions are able to change but just demoting a Lt. or Sgt. to make room for a Caption to have a top position is not right to that employee. I think this would give the deputies more security.

As far as voters approving a change, i belive (Just my belief) they are voting for a top rank change. I belive that most employees when they receive a new supervisor changes and does what they are ask or traimed to do. I do belive that a underperforming employee in a past admin should be given a chance with a quality supervisor with progressive corrective action taken and then if he/she can not do the job let go. I have seen in my time that new supervisors come in and get rid of everyone when they had some very good employees who may have just needed direction to do their job better.

 

[scooterbug44]

I personally voted for someone to come in, clean house and make staff changes if necessary, and stop me reading stories in the SUN about how many tens (or hundreds) of thousands of tax dollars were being wasted due to incompetance or the buddy system.

There are some great people in the WCSO and I want the cream to rise and be rewarded, not have the scum stay w/ union protection from disciplinary action.

 

[Bob Wells]

Scooterbug
With politics involved you will always have that possibility, as for Union Protection from disciplinary action, I can only assume to believe that you are another who does not believe in progressive discipline with the ultimate goal of assisting an employee to become better after a negative incident. Politicians will come and go, to get a professional department requries training and leadership from those that will be there year end year out, not the politicos

 

[idlewind]

How could rank have been protected? If the ability to demote was not a possibility then the deputy would not have had a job. Deputies have to be re-appointed every four years when the Sheriff is re-appointed, and I can not think of how you could force someone to appoint someone else if they chose not too. Not to say that you may not have to keep paying them, but if you refuse to appoint them then what?

And would administrative rank positions be protected? So you are saying that the citizens of Walton County can go and overwhelmingly tell someone that they now want them to be Sheriff to make the changes that need to be made, but one last thing, you have to keep all the people in place that have not been doing what we want done during the last administration.

:funn:

I thought they passed some sort of law a couple of years ago that said a new sheriff could not come in a fire anyone except the top people? If that is the case, the WTF?
( In a related note, I agree with the "non-appointment" of the DUI guy. Just curious about the process.)

 

[Bob Wells]

Yeah, Robert now I remember why I think they should Unionize. My suggestin Robert, stay self employed because you might be one of those let go.
Idlewind, there was an attempt to do that, but I think RJ was poorly prepared and did not get it done, Johnny Mac told me he had it passed for his department, protecting those from I think he said Leiutnant down to road deputy.

 

[Creeklover]

Walton had it passes called the Walton County Sherriffs office career service act. It faild the first time but passed the second time. All of the deputies told be this was BS screen that was to try to make RJ look good.

 

[Creeklover]

http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2007/House/bills/billtext/pdf/h161300.pdf

 

[Bob Wells]

Creeklover, is this similar to what was done in Jackson County, also it seems there was very little protection from the politicos when they come into office.

 

[idlewind]

Creeklover, is this similar to what was done in Jackson County, also it seems there was very little protection from the politicos when they come into office.

FF2, this is a quote from the bill the Creeklover provided:

"

(3) TRANSITION OF CAREER SERVICE EMPLOYEES.--When a newly
elected or appointed Sheriff assumes office, the new Sheriff shall continue the employment of all currently employed
permanent personnel with the exceptions of those positions
defined in subsection (1), unless there is just cause for
dismissal as outlined in the Walton County Sheriff's Office​

Policy and Procedures Manual."

Based on this exerpt, a new Sheriff cannot fire an employee when taking office unless "just cause" exists. So, I assume if someone was let go, there is a good reason. Personally, I would think drinking, driving, stealing and dealing drugs qualify.

 

[Bob Wells]

Although I have issue with those items mentioned, its tough when you are convicted prior to a jury of your peers have they opportunity to hear the evidence or at the very least a judge. Corraine was only convicted of speeding, follow a deputy around one day while their in their patrol car, speeding is a fact of life. Get up on I-10 a watch the officers of the state, pass you while your doing 5 to 10 miles over.