Meeting with Sheriff Chapman

Dec 5, 2012

On Wednesday, December 5th, 2012, I sat down with Sheriff Chapman to discuss issues and concerns that have been brought to my attention by our membership.

• Compensatory (Comp) Time Status - The County Administration is working with the Sheriff's Office Administration to establish comp time (previously known as exchanged time.) The new version will allow leave be earned at a time and a half rate. An example would be if an ADC Deputy works 8 hours of overtime to assist with squad staffing and chooses not to take the overtime money, he/she could opt to have those hours converted into comp time which would give the deputy 12 hours of comp leave to be used on a later date. In accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, all hours worked in excess of your normal hours must be compensated at a time and a half rate (1.5x) in payment of cash or comp leave .

• DQIP (Deputy Quality Improvement Program) Committee Status - I inquired with the Sheriff what the status of the group was since we know that they had solicited names from all divisions, shifts, and squads a few months back. Sheriff Chapman advised that he will be following back up with that to get the first meeting established soon.

• Master Deputy Program - The Sheriff advised that new applicants will not be able to apply until July 2013. The program is frozen so the current Master Deputy Committee can complete their updating of the program. ****As the new chairperson of that committee, I can tell you that we are getting very close to being completed with the changes. The committee as a whole is doing everything we can to make sure that it is a good product since it will be in place for many years to come. *****

• Patrol Shifts - I have spoken to countless patrol deputies who have all consistently expressed the frustration they have of the current patrol shifts with the 5pm - 5am shift being the source of the problems. Many deputies feel that the 1 hour overlap from 5pm-6pm is not enough time to allow them to complete roll call, check their voicemail and make necessary follow up phone calls, as well as answer any emails. I asked the Sheriff if it would be possible to conduct a survey for patrol asking the pros & cons as well as what they believe would be a proper solution. The Sheriff was unaware that the shifts were a point of frustration with line personnel. The Sheriff stated that he will be trying to visit all the patrol squads at upcoming Sunday roll calls. I would encourage all members to properly articulate what frustrations they have with the shifts to help address the concern as well as any solutions.

Should anybody have questions, comments, or concerns please email or call me anytime. I will have another meeting with the Sheriff in January. Take care and I hope to see as many of you at the upcoming meeting on Monday December 10th, 1500 hours at the Rust Library in Leesburg.

571-233-5608 - Personal Cell

sldikeman@gmail.com