Los Alamos

The proposed amendment to eliminate the Office of Sheriff failed. Rather than continue breeding contempt between the Council, the Sheriff and the Police Department, I invite you to consider an alternative solution.

Rather than amending the County Charter to remove the Sheriff or remove the Chief of Police, why not amend the wording involving duplication of duties? Redefine the duties as shared responsibilities. Everything that the Police do, the Sheriff is equally responsible for. Everything the Sheriff does, the Police are equally responsible for. The separation of power is still maintained, the amended charter requirements are satisfied, the Police and the Sheriff work together in a new found sense of camaraderie: everybody wins.

 

Additionally, any question about the Police not investigating certain Council activities would be resolved, since the Sheriff would have that authority to investigate. I think it’s critical to have an elected law enforcement officer representing the interests of the people, and held directly responsible by the people. The Chief of Police is answerable to the Council. The Sheriff is answerable to we, the people.

Define every law enforcement duty as a shared responsibility. After the revision, maybe let the two departments work together to better take on the duties. Get the Police and the Sheriff to work together. That sounds pretty neat.