New sheriff plans improved service

There are significant organizational changes coming to our Sheriff’s Office. I have a phased plan, which is designed to improve safety and service for Pinal County families.

In an organization with 700 employees, leadership becomes all the more important. That is why I’m replacing the top seven leaders and appointing professionals selected for their proven record of achievement. I have reclassified and eliminated five additional positions. This restructuring will produce $400,000 in annual salary savings, which shall be re-directed towards hiring additional deputies.

All employees will understand that systemic improvements shall be made in our operations. Immediate training in First Aid/CPR, report writing and investigations shall be mandatory for all deputies, commencing in late January. We shall assess the current deployment of our limited patrol resources in order to maximize our ability to keep you safe and respond timely to all emergencies. The development of this plan shall include the full input, thoughts and ideas of all patrol deputies, corporals, sergeants and lieutenants, who best understand our challenges. They will brief me on their courses of action (COA), and I will approve the best plan to ensure success.

I have recruited a highly trained and qualified grants administrator, who will coordinate the application and management of grant monies. PCSO does not have a coordinator and, therefore, lost millions in state and federal monies. I have also hired a training coordinator for our volunteer posse and certified Mounted Unit. We shall grow our posse two or threefold to enhance service and perform such functions as transporting prisoners for deputies. This shall keep deputies in neighborhoods and responding to calls, rather than transporting prisoners to Florence and spending hours on the booking, processing of paperwork, fingerprints and photographs.

The SWAT team shall be dramatically reorganized to achieve higher standards for training and performance. A youth Explorer program shall be started to allow our teenagers positive interaction with deputies in a disciplined program, focusing on education in law enforcement, fitness and civic involvement. You will soon be able to obtain copies of Police/Sheriff’s Reports from your local substation. In addition to streamlining operations, installing computers in every patrol vehicle shall be achieved within my first year in office.

I have promised to end the photo radar program, which is managed by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. I have already met with executives of Redflex, which is the private contractor who operates the camera vans and processes the ticketing. At this meeting, Redflex agreed to end their contract effective January 1 when I assume office. Promise made – promise delivered. I am honored to serve as your Sheriff for the next four years. I will be relentless in pursuit of improved service through increased discipline, training and accountability.

Respectfully,
Paul R. Babeu, Sheriff
Pinal County, Arizona

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