"Everyone gets along very well, but there doesn't seem to be any true leadership."
"The sergeant is always passing calls off on other deputies."
"The chain of command is clear, but everyone knows how to get around it."
The report lists recommendations on role definitions. "When deputies see their repertoire of options limited to... driving around/patrol and deter crime through the use of arrests, they are less inclined to problem solve with the community, build partnerships with law abiding citizens or address important quality of life issues. The sheriff needs to redefine the options available to deputies who are 'on patrol.' "
While deputies are patrolling and responding to calls, the report points out that Sheriff McClure often spends time on the road transporting prisoners to and from Prairie Justice Center, the Nobles County jail where Rock County prisoners are housed.
"We recommend that the sheriff redefine his role in the department to focus more heavily on strategic leadership issues rather than on line functions such as prisoner transport. This change is critical to the success of the transition to a community policing format," the Institute reported.
Follow the leader
Everyone interviewed for the report identified the two sergeants as those who control police operations. Concerns about their managerial abilities were raised by interview subjects:
"They really don't lead - they just do a job."
"I wish they would listen more."
The report says supervisory style and work-product appear to lack consistency and that setting goals and objectives would help.
The Policing Institute said the sheriff should examine roles and responsibilities of each supervisor. The report quotes one interviewee as saying:
"One sergeant responds to calls only when forced to."
If deputies see supervisors not held to a high standard, they can feel disgruntled:
"Why should I have to work when he doesn't?" one deputy said.
For community policing to be effective, the report suggests that sergeants be held accountable for their performance and be positive role models to other department members.
Communications
Typically, deputies patrol until they receive a "call for service." The assessment report found that the Rock County dispatch workers are well respected and essential to the department and public safety.
The Policing Institute said some dispatching changes would enhance community policing through the communication process.
Deputies rely upon and trust dispatchers, according to the report, but the Institute also recommends that a "clear chain of command for decision making must be agreed to, and implemented."
The chain of command will ensure that employees feel the overall call-for-service system is fair.
The Policing Institute also recommends not releasing the full dispatch report to the Rock County Star Herald. Cleaning up jargon within the report will improve the public's perception of what the department handles.
The report also urges the department to adopt a form of crime analysis to identify and address activities in specific areas. A person in the department could be designated to handle crime analysis, which would be shared with county and city elected people and the public.
The public should be aware of the importance of receiving timely and valuable information.
The Policing Institute also suggested the possibility of establishing a Crime Stoppers in order to increase community involvement. It would also keep the public informed that crimes are under investigation, to dispel the myth that "nothing happens" following a report to the department.
Credit where it's due
Because the Rock County Sheriff's Department is small, promotions are infrequent.
The Policing Institute suggests building and sustaining momentum with short-term goals that, when achieved, are celebrated.
When asked, "How are you rewarded?" department members answered:
"Don't know."
"We are not rewarded for good work."
"We should be rewarding our deputies, but we haven't in the past."
The report said no one could recall examples of sergeants reviewing reports, giving advice or directly assisting officers.
The Policing Institute recommends that the department implement policies that reward "those who act in a professional manner and support problem solving activities."
Instead of only counting the number of incidents handled, community policing advocates crediting absence of crime and recognizing neighborhood involvement.
The Policing Institute said that the sheriff's obligation, as the highest-ranking officer, is to lead the department through community policing.
"Within the department, employees need the permission and organizational structure to begin problem solving with the community. Getting out of the car, talking with residents, and engaging with community members in a non-enforcement manner will be key to gathering trust and support from the community. Geographically based problem solving assignments, with accountability factors, will increase the likelihood of success. For effectiveness, supervisors will also need to be held accountable for the responsibility they are given. It is their job to act as coaches, information resources and visionaries."