The Cause of Deputies

Since Sept. 11, there has been an outpouring of public appreciation for the enormous physical courage displayed by firefighters and police officers who so willingly gave their lives that fateful day. A much less visible form of courage is the moral courage that public safety professionals display every day--the type of courage demonstrated by choosing to do the right thing even when it is to one’s detriment.

A showdown between a financially challenged county and deputy sheriffs who were seeking an average pay and benefit package for the area appeared inevitable as the union scheduled its general membership meetings last week. Our management had prepared contingency plans to staff at least our jail and to be able to respond to life-threatening situations in patrol.

Not only had the deputies been without a contract for a year, but the county blocked their attempt to use public safety arbitration as recommended by the attorney general.

Faced with dwindling options in the most divisive contract negotiations I have witnessed in my career, the deputies in no uncertain terms affirmed their dedication and commitment to the public’s safety and welfare by choosing not to strike. In giving up their most powerful option, they correctly decided that striking was not in anyone’s best interest--especially that of the public they have sworn to protect and serve.

I have been accused of siding with the deputies in this bitter battle. While I am not taking a stance on specific contract proposals, I believe that providing competitive compensation is in the best interests of the voters who elected me to ensure their safety. Common sense and frequent news reports remind us that a reduction in the quality of law enforcement personnel only invites corruption, misconduct and inefficiency.

I believe a negotiation strategy that creates winners and losers is destined to fail. Wise negotiators know a successful resolution is predicated on both sides winning, especially if a long-term relationship and morale are to remain intact. I urge both sides to continue working toward a compromise.

Bob Brooks

Ventura County sheriff