On my mind today is Project Lifesaver. This is a program, proposed over a year or so
ago by our Sheriff Ricky Whitney. In brief it is a sophisticated electronic
monitoring program that caregivers can use to locate those with disabilities
who may wander off. In some ways it’s similar to the Probation Departments
Electronic Home Monitoring program. A device is secured to the person that
sends out a locating signal. Authorities can use this signal to help them find
the person. Hopefully before something
tragic happens.
I’ve now become aware of a “Facebook” discussion; “Shared”
at least some 40 times with others that name’s me as a “ringleader” in our
counties failure to approve this program for implementation here. No need to guess. Yes, I’m upset about it. I
believe, if you check County Committee records, view Wellsville Regional News
postings and I believe at least one letter published in the Cuba Patriot, I
made it quite clear I am in support of this program and would like to see it
implemented here. One poster, listed on “Facebook” also listed as a “Friend” of
our Sheriff, made a long posting election eve (November 6th) urging
Wellsville/Andover voters to reject my efforts to seek re-election. In words
accusing me of being more concerned about money than the possible loss of life.
I’ll spare you the narrative but it was nasty to say the least – and incorrect.
Here is the truth. What I opposed was the manner in which
Mr. Whitney proposed to manage it. My notes relate that after he became aware
of the program he sent out a call for volunteers (among his employees) to be
trained in and to perform the essentials of the program. He did not limit
participants to sworn personnel but to “anyone”. The result? Along with sworn
personnel he nominated and actually sent for training at least one or more of
our Jail’s Corrections Officers (C.O’s).
C.O.’s, as they are often called, are primarily trained in
care, custody and control - security and supervision - of a correctional
facility. They patrol some of the toughest “streets” in Allegany County but
those “streets” are actually housing units, hallways and byways in and around
the Jail. Not public access highways or streets. He also had what I viewed as a
poor plan as to whom, how and when the Sheriff’s Office would respond to these
calls for assistance and change batteries. None of it made sense to me. It
sounded amateurish, wasteful and duplicative.
Unsatisfied with his answers I called Albany and spoke with
an official from the training division of DCJS (Division of Criminal Justice
Services). I was told that the program was intended for agencies with a full
time road patrol. We have none. They found this out from the students that
attended the course from our county. Mr. Whitney never mentioned it to them. It
was/is not a prerequisite for the grant. DCJS is a pro law enforcement agency.
Their assumption is that if you applied for it you have the means to implement
it. I was also told that Project Lifesaver could be shared/performed with other
local agencies and the State Police. When I asked Mr. Whitney if he would share
the program with the State Police – the only full time county wide police
agency in the county – he was blunt. He said “No”. This was not a private
conversation. He said it in front of the Public Safety Committee and public.
In short, do you want a person with police powers looking
for your child with disabilities and/or a parent with Alzheimer’s or do you
want a Corrections Officer? To me, seemingly overlooked by our Sheriff, is the fact
that what might look like a simple case of “wandering off” may actually be a
crime. People do abduct children. People do harm the elderly. Even those with
disabilities. To the hunter they may appear as “easy prey”.
Deputy Sheriff’s go through a host of training all geared
for the full range of law enforcement duties. Corrections Officers are well
trained but it is limited. I was also told by DCJS that no other county in the
state proposed to use C.O.’s in this manner.
The Sheriff needed 8 votes to get this program approved. I
had the courage to question what I viewed as the unprofessional and amateurish
manner he proposed to implement it in. I believe we can support this program
and I believe he knows it. I was not trying to pinch pennies at the expense of
the loss of life. I was trying to prevent a possible catastrophe.
I bear no ill will towards any of the posters or those that
shared the erroneous and misleading information. I might have done the same
thing if I had a loved one in jeopardy. Especially if the information I was
given was provided by an authoritative figure.
I would ask, of anyone so concerned, that you use my contact information
to discuss this issue with me in person. It’s accessible to the public on
alleganyco.com Call, email, text or write me for the truth. Call DCJS yourself.
Do us all a favor and contact Mr. Whitney – ask him to re-propose the program
in a manner that we can all be proud of.
