Survey of Duffy’s Popularity Quickly Quashed

A group of San Diego County deputies recently attempted to conduct a survey sizing up San Diego County Sheriff John Duffy’s political future but were cut off when Sheriff’s Department officials ordered them to stop playing politics at the office.

The one-page surveys began showing up at county patrol stations and inside the jails several weeks ago, shortly after public disclosures that Duffy travels extensively and often ignores the routine management duties of his office.

The surveys, which were printed and distributed by an unknown group of deputies, asks the question: “Do you think we need a change?”

The surveys also ask the deputies to answer one of the following:

“Yes, I would vote for Sheriff Duffy in 1990.”

Or, “No, I would not vote for Sheriff Duffy in 1990.”

The deputies were then told to return the completed surveys to the office of Undersheriff Richard E. Sandberg.

Results Are Uncertain

Exactly how many surveys were answered by the rank-and-file deputies, and what results were collected, is uncertain. Neither Duffy nor Sandberg could be reached for comment on Thursday.

But sources within the Sheriff’s Department said supervisors quickly warned deputies against turning in the surveys, once they began surfacing inside county buildings.

For instance, a memo from Melvin E. Nichols and J. E. Decker, commanders who oversee the jail operations, made it clear that supervisors wanted the surveys stopped.

“We wish to remind all of you that any attempts at politicking on county time or in county facilities is illegal, unethical and a violation of departmental policy,” the memo said.

“Joking efforts at opinion sampling are the most recent example of this type of activity.

“We expect the sheriff to distribute his own memo in the near future. In the meantime, don’t get caught up in the politics of the office of the sheriff. That’s his business. Please adhere to the clearly stated guidelines set forth in department policy and procedure.”

Sources said the surveys quickly disappeared.

But another poll may be forthcoming. Officials in the Deputy Sheriffs Assn., which in the past has endorsed Duffy for reelection, plan to meet next week to determine what role, if any, to play in next year’s election.

The DSA represents most rank-and-file deputies, and the group is considering putting together its own survey to gauge the membership’s desires on whether the group should make an endorsement in the upcoming election. The DSA leadership also is weighing whether it should meet with Duffy before taking any action in the election.

Former San Diego Police Chief Ray Hoobler, who has announced his plans to run against Duffy, has contended that the 20-year veteran sheriff has lost the support of much of his staff.

That is an issue that also concerns Escondido Police Chief Vince Jimno, who said Thursday that he is considering whether he too should become a candidate. Jimno said he believes that Duffy could be a weak candidate, particularly because of the allegations of poor management and jailhouse abuses that have plagued the sheriff’s office during the last year.

“I think any candidate under the pressures he’s been in would be vulnerable during an election,” Jimno said.