Please, say it ain’t so!
I was recently told that the Sheriff’s Department has instituted a quota system under the guise of a “point system.” What do I mean? I mean a system by which deputies are given points for activities like issuing traffic tickets, and in which deputies who don’t attain a pre set number of points -quota- can be disciplined or suffer other adverse action.
Please, please, please tell me that this is not the truth and that the Sheriff does not think that by simply calling the new quota system “point system” the residents of Calvert and the Courts in Calvert will not catch on. Only a true simpleton would fall for this one.
If there is indeed a point system I urge everyone who has or is going to receive a parking citation, moving violation, civil citation or other charge to ask these simple questions of the arresting deputy while that deputy is on the stand and under oath.
1. Is there any sort of point or quota system currently in force on the Sheriff’s Department?
2. Can you be disciplined or can your evaluation suffer because you don’t earn enough points?
3. If the system exists, can you honestly say that it played no part in your decision making process with regard to officer’s discretion in taking enforcement action?
4. No matter how they answer question number 3, suggest to the court that reasonable doubt as to the officer’s motivation to issue the ticket or make the arrest has been established, and the deputy may have in fact taken action not because you were in the wrong, but because he or she was subject to adverse action due to the Sheriff’s quota system.
Quota systems are illegal, and if in fact one exists, the State’s Attorney needs to look into it. I truly hope that it is not the case, but with this “we can do whatever we want” administration, I wouldn’t be surprised; I’d just be disappointed…again.
I was recently told that the Sheriff’s Department has instituted a quota system under the guise of a “point system.” What do I mean? I mean a system by which deputies are given points for activities like issuing traffic tickets, and in which deputies who don’t attain a pre set number of points -quota- can be disciplined or suffer other adverse action.
Please, please, please tell me that this is not the truth and that the Sheriff does not think that by simply calling the new quota system “point system” the residents of Calvert and the Courts in Calvert will not catch on. Only a true simpleton would fall for this one.
If there is indeed a point system I urge everyone who has or is going to receive a parking citation, moving violation, civil citation or other charge to ask these simple questions of the arresting deputy while that deputy is on the stand and under oath.
1. Is there any sort of point or quota system currently in force on the Sheriff’s Department?
2. Can you be disciplined or can your evaluation suffer because you don’t earn enough points?
3. If the system exists, can you honestly say that it played no part in your decision making process with regard to officer’s discretion in taking enforcement action?
4. No matter how they answer question number 3, suggest to the court that reasonable doubt as to the officer’s motivation to issue the ticket or make the arrest has been established, and the deputy may have in fact taken action not because you were in the wrong, but because he or she was subject to adverse action due to the Sheriff’s quota system.
Quota systems are illegal, and if in fact one exists, the State’s Attorney needs to look into it. I truly hope that it is not the case, but with this “we can do whatever we want” administration, I wouldn’t be surprised; I’d just be disappointed…again.
Don's Response
There are many different styles of managers and management, some that operate with the use of fear and punishment, and some that operate by training and rewarding appropriate behavior and productivity. In my experience, when you force employees to produce certain amounts of work, you lose quality. Some employee attempting to make their quota will find the easiest way to reach their particular minimum standard. The quota system is illegal and it leaves the law enforcement agency open to questions from the citizens on ethics.
I have been informed that the following point system is currently in practice in the Calvert County Sheriff's Office:
Citations- 2 points
Warnings-1 point
Controlled Dangerous Substance Arrest-10 points
Driving Under Influence Arrest-10 points
Traffic Arrest -5 points
Felony Arrest -15 points
Misdemeanor Arrest-10 points
Warrant Service -5 points
Reports Written- 3 points
Patrol Checks- 1 point
Criminal Civil Citations-5 points
Each Deputy must have 250 points per month. I am unfamiliar with the consequences suffered for not making the quota or point system, but I will tell you that I whole heartily disagree with this method of increasing productivity. I don't think you will get the benefit of focused enforcement from your deputies that is desperately needed in Calvert County, with this current system. Under my administration, I will have specific focused crime and traffic enforcement efforts, and I will require the Deputies to pay attention to achieving results. The COMPSTAT process everybody is referring to here lately has been around for quite a while, and if used correctly is very effective. In short, COMPSTAT is computer driven enforcement, analyzing crime and focusing on when and where your crime will occur. COMPSTAT is also very effective when applied to traffic. Rather than having officers write (250) points worth of tickets in any area just to reach the minimum, I would prefer the Deputies be given the information for the area according to statistics, that is most likely to have a traffic incident. After all, enforcement is not about numbers, it is about corrective action and ensuring the safety of our citizens. We should never look at our residents as a possible number to reach our quota, that is not why we are in the Law Enforcement business.
Now, I have to add that I will never tolerate laziness, there is no room for it, especially in these current fiscal times where we are required to do more with less. Morale plays a big part in productivity, that is why the current administration is having to force their Deputies to "produce or else." I have worked in a professional environment where there were quality supervisors and an energized work force, and it is truly a wonderful experience. I plan to work tirelessly to instill in my first line supervisors the importance of a professional agency that thrives on building and maintaining the morale of the Deputies. Creating an environment where quality work is rewarded and there is no misunderstanding what is expected of them. All of my efforts will go towards reducing crime and the fear of crime, while enhancing the quality of life in Calvert County.
Thank you,
Don Brenneman
I have been informed that the following point system is currently in practice in the Calvert County Sheriff's Office:
Citations- 2 points
Warnings-1 point
Controlled Dangerous Substance Arrest-10 points
Driving Under Influence Arrest-10 points
Traffic Arrest -5 points
Felony Arrest -15 points
Misdemeanor Arrest-10 points
Warrant Service -5 points
Reports Written- 3 points
Patrol Checks- 1 point
Criminal Civil Citations-5 points
Each Deputy must have 250 points per month. I am unfamiliar with the consequences suffered for not making the quota or point system, but I will tell you that I whole heartily disagree with this method of increasing productivity. I don't think you will get the benefit of focused enforcement from your deputies that is desperately needed in Calvert County, with this current system. Under my administration, I will have specific focused crime and traffic enforcement efforts, and I will require the Deputies to pay attention to achieving results. The COMPSTAT process everybody is referring to here lately has been around for quite a while, and if used correctly is very effective. In short, COMPSTAT is computer driven enforcement, analyzing crime and focusing on when and where your crime will occur. COMPSTAT is also very effective when applied to traffic. Rather than having officers write (250) points worth of tickets in any area just to reach the minimum, I would prefer the Deputies be given the information for the area according to statistics, that is most likely to have a traffic incident. After all, enforcement is not about numbers, it is about corrective action and ensuring the safety of our citizens. We should never look at our residents as a possible number to reach our quota, that is not why we are in the Law Enforcement business.
Now, I have to add that I will never tolerate laziness, there is no room for it, especially in these current fiscal times where we are required to do more with less. Morale plays a big part in productivity, that is why the current administration is having to force their Deputies to "produce or else." I have worked in a professional environment where there were quality supervisors and an energized work force, and it is truly a wonderful experience. I plan to work tirelessly to instill in my first line supervisors the importance of a professional agency that thrives on building and maintaining the morale of the Deputies. Creating an environment where quality work is rewarded and there is no misunderstanding what is expected of them. All of my efforts will go towards reducing crime and the fear of crime, while enhancing the quality of life in Calvert County.
Thank you,
Don Brenneman
