Full disclosure is in everybody's best interest

As residents of Bonner County we enjoy the luxury of choice in many of the decisions we make every day. We have an array of options from where and what we eat what we listen to, what we read, whom we associate with and where we do all of this. But we have no choice at all when it comes to choosing who provides us with emergency (police, fire and paramedic) services. The providers of these vital services have a monopoly and we take who we get in our time of dire need.

When choice is curtailed in time of necessity it is imperative that the service provided is of the highest quality possible. Anything less is a violation of the trust imparted on those in positions of authority.

In the delivery of emergency services public perception is so dynamic that it often clouds reality. So often the court of public opinion has a hanging judge sitting on the bench.

This past year has been a public relations nightmare for the Bonner County Sheriff's Department. They have endured suspensions, termination's, allegations of sexual misconduct by deputies and criminal convictions of top staff members.

They have lost more than 15 officers in the past ten months and are facing no fewer then four lawsuits by former employees. Retaining personnel has become problematic and with the relentless media coverage and internal turmoil, attracting qualified applicants has proven to be no easy task.

Keep in mind this is not an entity that provides routine type services to the taxpayer. This is not the assessor's office, the treasurer's office or the library. These services are necessary but they can be curtailed in times of emergency at no expense to the health and safety of the citizenry.

Who we are talking about is the chief law enforcement agency in the county. Sheriff Savage and her deputies must in our time of need, be there in full authority and possess the command presence that will inspire respect by all.

There comes a time when those who are elected by the people must answer to the people. The picture being painted by the media and the allegations being made by current and former employees must be addressed in an open and unbiased forum.

Findings from all investigations must be made available to the public in a timely manner.

If department policy prevents the sheriff from commenting on allegations of misconduct or corruption then we may want to consider a change in policy.

Concealing yourself from public scrutiny behind the veil of "policy" is beneath the dignity of today's professional standards for any law enforcement officer, much less an elected one.

In the transparency of today's world "no comment" just won't cut it with the electorate.

Please join Bill on "The Voice" this Monday July 3rd at 12:15 p.m. on 1400 KSPT or 1450 KBFI when the discussion continues regarding the Bonner County Sheriff's Office.

? Bill can be reached at voxpopuli@sandpoint.net