Roache Says Budget Makes Grand Jury Report ‘Futile’

Responding to grand jury recommendations that his department employ new training techniques that would reduce the use of lethal force, Sheriff Jim Roache said Wednesday that he would need millions of extra dollars to meet all the new requirements jurors suggested.

“Lecturing a patient about more exercise while his calorie intake is below subsistence makes little sense,” Roache said. “Similarly, chiding an organization for not employing available management technologies when no funds exist to purchase them is equally futile.”

The 1991-92 grand jury had suggested that the department require its deputies to “re-qualify” annually for certification in using batons and other weapons other than guns.

Roache said such training would cost nearly $1.5 million the first year and $367,700 a year thereafter, making it “doubtful that this recommendation can be implemented in the near future.”

A second suggestion--having deputies increase their verbal skills--would cost about $405,000 during the first year, Roache said, but seems reasonable.

“Balanced against the improvement to community relations and reduced claims for excessive use of force, this might be an excellent investment,” he said.

Although jurors asked the department to find alternatives to lethal force with new weapons, Roache said requests for Tasers and “chemical agents,” which cost about $600,000, have been denied in the past by county administrators.

Roache bemoaned the lack of money for a new communications system, which the jury said should be enhanced.

“I have repeatedly stated that the sheriff’s communications center is antiquated, understaffed and earthquake unsafe,” Roache said. “Ironically, it is cast in a role as the very hub of disaster communications for the entire county. This is the falsest sense of security.”

In recommendations to both the sheriff’s department and the San Diego Police Department, the jury recommended starting programs that would end “Rambo” and “John/Jane Wayne” mentalities that sometimes exist during situations that involve use of force.

Roache said his department doesn’t encourage that type of behavior and expects citizens “to be treated with professionalism, to be free from brutality and to not suffer discrimination.”

The sheriff said he frequently makes public statements that stress “consistent professionalism, respect for the rights of our residents, non-discrimination, adherence to the law and appropriate use of force.”