Hastings is one of the more unusual communities its size in this state because it has a city police department, a county sheriff’s department and a state police post, all headquartered in a city with a population barely over 7,000. I haven’t done my math, but it would seem to me that Hastings has a very high ratio of cops to citizens. And I repeat, I’m not sold on the idea it’s necessary for effective protection of Barry County residents. I’m not sure Hastings and Barry County are safer than other similar-sized communities in Michigan. Let the State Police go where they are needed and let the local cops do the law enforcement work they should be doing instead of setting speed traps and cruising around looking to bust people for drug use so the department can score some free money for flashy cars and new gear.
The wedding between Hastings and Barry County and the Michigan State Police has been a rocky one at best over these past 30 years. In days gone by, the western part of Barry County, specifically Gun Lake, was covered entirely by Michigan State Police from the Wayland post. Somehow, in the mid-1970s, somebody got the notion that Hastings needed its own post. Led by later Barry County Commissioner Ethel Boze, the dream came true. Wayland didn’t do a particularly bad job. In fact, its detective, Sgt. Robert Golm, was regarded as one of the best, and it was Golm who did the bulk of the gumshoe work in high profile cases, and he was pretty good at it. Regardless, eventually Hastings was “blessed” with a state police “team” and then later its own post.
My feeling has been that at best the state police have represented an overrated appendage to law enforcement in these parts. At worst, their presence has brought an added element of bullying and intimidation to local law enforcement. I’ve heard plenty of nasty stories and seen plenty of examples about state cops being arrogant and all-powerful in their attitudes rather than presenting themselves as servants and protectors of the public.
And don’t get me started on the leadership we’ve had to endure over the years. Though we’ve also had to put up with the arrogance and control freak displays of the likes of failed State Rep. Gary Newell, Greg Kruisenga and Ron Neil, control freaks all. Does anyone else remember the infamous photo in the Hastings Banner of a state police cruiser parked in a “no parking” spot in front of the Courts and Law building? If that isn’t arrogance, I don’t know what is. I remember Banner Editor David T. Young telling me he would have never published the photo if the state police had been more cooperative and less arrogant. Young said he first would have called Commander Kruisenga and warned him not to let his troopers do something like that again. Yeah, he would have just given him a warning. I was also told of more than a few stories about state cops harassing Dave Brinkert because he had the audacity to run for state representative against their former commander Gary Newell in 2004.
Let’s not forget the warnings of our friend “Ag3,” who has pointed out state police cronies such as Neil, Newell, Steve DeBoer and Charlie Nystrom consistently have covered each others’ backsides. Nystrom, a notorious bully at the 911 dispatch center, has managed to alienate just about every woman who has worked for him. Though he may not be guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, if he was a department head or supervisor just about anywhere else, he would have been dismissed a long time ago for ineffective leadership and very simply being a lousy boss. Neil and state police sycophants such as Lani Forbes, Don Boysen, Jim Carr and Jim Brown have managed to keep their buddy employed and their excuses for his behavior are endless. But their “Wall of Blue” in protecting the colors is not good public policy.
I admit I was somewhat surprised a couple of years ago when it was announced which three state police posts would be eliminated. I was almost sure Hastings was going to get the ax because it seemed to me to be the least needed post in Michigan. But I didn’t take into account that the Hastings former commander that year was our state representative.
Some day, after this state suffers more budget crises, the Michigan State Police post in Hastings finally will be eliminated. I won’t shed any tears. State police in this town and this county have been a lot like the director of emergency management — a horrible waste of taxpayers’ money under the guise of keeping us safe. We spend far too much money on public safety in this country, mostly because we’ve been conned into thinking Big Brother will protect us against the Islamic terrorist menace that hardly knows Hastings or Barry County exist. We incarcerate more people per capita than any other country in the world, even more than Russia and South Africa. And are we any safer than any other country?
When it comes to cutting the state budget, as far as I’m concerned, let the state police post in Hastings go, quit wasting money on busting potheads and start formulating public safety policies based on reason rather than fear. It’s up to us to slay a sacred cow: call or write State Representative Brian Calley and call or write State Senator Patty Birkholz
and let them know that if they are serious about cutting the state budget before raising any more revenue, we've got a good place for them to start...
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27 comments:
My apologies for the screwed up formatting of this post. And also apologies to those who read the headline and thought this was going to be about Tommy Amaker getting fired.
WOW, where else can you read such a master piece? Not on Channel 3 or 8, where losing State Police is hogging the airwaves, trying to scare the last dollar out of our wallets to save them. How about little "Rickie" over in Williamston, lost his life at the hands of his foster parents. How many Child Abuse workers will lose their jobs so that even more children can be placed in the hands of killers like those "Foster Parents?" Were they in it for the State money giveaway (which helped us get into this mess), or because they loved kids and wanted to give like the FM93.7 Roofsit Jockey does?
One post to the west (Wayland), one in the middle (Hastings), one to the east (Ionia), and one behind us to the south (Battle Creek). Drive from one to the other and tell me how long it takes? You have the Rockford Post, then a Crime Lab across GR Town (couldn't they have been combined?). NO, we had money to give away! It used to be called a rainy day fund, now we have something called a deficit (no, a CRISIS, they say). Where were the "thinkers" then? That's right, it was Neil, DeBoer, etc. Nuff said!
Go from 4 Posts in this area to one or two. Let the officers take their cars home. Let them use the computers at the other State run agencies (or, don't most have their own?). Let them use the rooms at the other Police Deptmts in Hastings, BC, Wayland, Ionia (State Prison can't spare a square?). Can't we all "play" together for a couple of years to get this mess straightened out without slashing our arteries more and more? You ran our jobs off.
I think each Cop should cut back on their carbs and contribute the price of one donut a day until the deficit is brought under control.
Thanks, A3. Guess everyone agrees with us.
"Just some good ol' boys..Never meanin no harm"
Alright, maybe the Dukes of Hazzard is an extreme of the system you propose, but I have to wonder if Boss Hogg couldn't have a good time in Barry County without those pesky state boys around?
In your effort to save the state some money, you seem to have forgotten all of your previous posts declaring corruption throughout the county.
A3 may just be trying to cut the competition for an invite to Pizza Hut.
Pol, on the other hand seems intent on some sort of declaration of independence from the state. Already his works include a purge of representation via "Fire the Senate" A move that gives the impression that we are willing to tear down our walls in search of firewood.
Now without coverage of State Police, the bidding of political operatives on the office of County Sherriff becomes all more important.
Locals wouldn't stand a chance running against the kind of money "the machine" would throw at such an election. I think I just slipped on the drool spewing from the mouths of those that would love the political gains that could be had. Big Brother would grow stronger in such an atmosphere.
While I don't agree that we can grow our way out of this mess. I do believe these are not options for those that would like to give the impression of an inviting place to invest capitol.
p.s.
Pol?
Check you basement for pods!
Well, the over-presence of the State Police was at the center of much of my tirades, i.e. The 911 Admin Board. Their presence does not in any way, shape, or form influence the operation of the other Police agencies, including the Fife operations.
If you carefully read my Post and Posts on other sites you will see that I recommend drastic changes in the structure, much on infrastructure, of the State Police. They are becoming obsolete in the larger Counties, i.e. Kazoo County and Oakland County, to mention two only!
They are just 6 months into their budget year and are $17 million in the red already. This has been business as usual for all State Agencies, hence, our present crisis.
Shouldn't we as citizens question our State Reps and Senators on who should have been on the State Police Directors back when he hit the first million over budget?
We need drastic closure of some State Facilities for a few years to get us back on our feet. Maybe that can save the employees their jobs. For gosh sakes, the private sector has been losing jobs left and right. Except, we don't have the TV and radio broadcasters forecasting a major crime wave if the State Police are Cut! This is calling the locals incompetent, and that they are NOT.
The locals can survive without the State Police. Yes, some of the money saved from State Police cuts needs to float down to some of the local road patrols, City Crime Labs, City SWAT Teams, Tracking Dogs, Bomb Squads, etc. Subsidize Regional Responses to Police Incidents!
We have had way too much diversification in the delivery of Police Services. This is the area we need to zero in for the long haul. Lack of good communication
between the many police agencies results in crimes not being solved as they should be.
I don't believe the "corruption throughout the County" was my soapbox? 911 and its Admin Board was, to include lack of action on the part of the County Board and Twp Assn to fix the "problem" that is still there.
I hope we focus on the issues; that most keep their jobs, and not end up with a brown vs blue dispute alleging jealousies. There appears to be a subbornness on the part of State Agencies, i.e. "We're needed or there will be calamity at the Nuclear Power Plant in South Haven." If the South Haven plant is so important, why do we have security officers there instead of regular cops. Do donut crumbs foul up the machinery at these places?
Is it Federal or State controlled?
They are sitting in Lansing right now manipulating dollars to make the budget look good, it's window dressing.
We need a long haul evaluation of how we deliver the deficient services we do now, like the young foster boy in Williamston being killed. Worry also about the Child Abuse Workers who might lose their jobs. They are an important part of the entire process of criminality extending from youth throughout adulthood.
The 16 Township issue would be great to form eight Twp's instead of 16. Huge savings! But, have you ever been to just one Twp Meeting? LOL But, great idea.
BIRCH must go. Townships need to recognize their growth and need to service their Communities, not with Fire trucks coming from God knows where and when. If some Twp's can pay extra for police protection, why don't the others kick in also. The State and County can't afford to keep your cows in the pasture any longer.
Hey Ellie!
I looked up Birkholz's email address, it got bounced back, did not have the p before birkholz.
email is senpbirkholz@senate.michigan.gov
Bill Hardiman from Kentwood also seems like someone who cares: senbhardiman@senate.michigan.gov
It has been my practical observation that there is no machine and what would pass for one rusted into immobility long ago.
Duplication of services is rampant between and among townships. There needs to be a single county wide police authority. It is simply more economical than several village, township and a City police department plus the overpain State Police.
There are far more rational savings that the county can adopt. I for one think they have finally gotten it right. There is far more to do but the Commissioners were wise enough to put Charlton Park behind them. There is far more on the horizon.
A few years ago 12 steps were sugested by a very bi-partisan group. In fact the attempt to limit the number of County Commissioners to 5 was a strong bi partisan effort.
Much remains but that is for another day. Oh, and dumping a totally redundant State Senate remains a fine goal for the future.
Pat you are right on for the most part. I agree on the duplication of effort. I believe we can do certain things like a Countywide Police Dept. However, if we combine too much, like 16 Townships, then we become large like the State of Michigan that can't get it right. I believe the answer might be somewhere in the middle. Dumping the Senate a must!
Not sure on "overpain" meaning? Call me dumb!
Seems some are a little hesitant, or could it be intimidated, to broach the mighty diatribe of the Pol on this one??
As was proven in '05 and '06, having excess police in Barry County did nothing to keep drug dealers off our streets. It was another "link in the chain" that failed and allowed them to run free to peddle their poison. It was our local, County Sheriff that did the investigation and the arrest(s) (Wymer record drug bust) that were later ignored by the (then) prosecutor. The only State police involvement was one "token" trouper appearing to act as an observer. Comments by Judge Fisher seem to prove this out. Now that we have fixed the prosecutor problem we might be able to reduce (or even eliminate) any state trouper involvement in this county.
Total elimination of the Hastings State Trouper post would not cause a crime wave. Once the current bad apples are dealt with and incarcerated police work in this county would appear no different to an average resident than what it appears right now but at greatly reduced costs. A possible compromise between those afraid of a crime wave and those wanting a total elimination of all police might be to hand the local posts’ wage and operating budget over to our local Sheriff and then eliminate the equipment and building expense of the unneeded facility. This would maintain the number of officers, keep them under local control, reduce redundancy in services, reduce communication problems, and save much money by not maintaining the current trouper shelter.
Just on the news is that the State is closing the Hart State Police post. This is very long over due. The State has maintained this post way beyond any reasonable time and benefit. I have often wondered why they even had one there when the manpower would have been better utilized in counties like Allegan or Wayne. Now if they would just examine the Hastings post a little better I bet they would come to a similar conclusion.
Agno seems to think there is some over powering political machine in the Sheriff’s office. If there was would not Mr. DeBeor still be our sheriff? It seems the power of the vote is still the king here for now. Don’t count out the local populace to repair the damage that a few miscreants can wreak. Our counties’ citizens are not stupid like you would like to believe. The have dumped a prosecutor that allowed drug dealers to walk, booted an arrogant sheriff, and will continue to remove any more megalomaniacs choosing to assuage their needs at our county’s expense. Anyone claiming to be politically powerful here should just be laughed at.
And the Child Protection system in this area is another mess for another time. More than one of the current employees there appeared to have been sampling the products of the Wymers in the past so a Rickie Holland mess happening here is just a matter of time as to when it will happen.
The Hastings Post could become the Road Patrol Station for the Sheriff's Deptmt!
Let me see I get this right, you want to close the state police post, this being a service that all of us pay for in state taxes, wheather the post is open or not we continue to pay for this service.
Or do you really think that the state will then refund to the residents of Barry Co. that portion of state tax that had been earmarked for the post.
I have lived here long enough to know the reason the state police came here many years ago was that the locals were not getting the job done.
The presence of the state police here as a service provided thru our state taxes is one of few things that the state has done right.
Those that suggest that the work load that is carried by this post will be picked up by the sheriff have their head in the sand.
As for the comment you can get a deputy for 3/4 of the cost. No offense to the men & women that wear the uniform for Barry Co. sheriff, just not true, you get what you pay for.
You might want to ask a few of those that work there if they had a chance would the wear BLUE.
The post is a needed service that this county can ill afford to lose.
truthseeker
Done right? 6 months into the budget and 19 million in the red? That is done right, in your mind? Spending money we don't have? No, that is why we are a billion in the hole and why most of us will probably have to dig into our pockets to pay more taxes or "fees."
"Whether the post is open or not we will continue to pay for this service"?? What kind of logic is that? This State is at the brink of having to close posts, agencies, departments, broom closets, etc., FOR GOOD. No need to pick on the State Police only, 19 million is a far cry from a billion. I believe Saddam Hussien ran his Country this way, except he had oil and jobs and kickbacks. Billions buried in the sand instead of the red!
The locals not being able to do it, another illogical statement. The same results would have occurred if you would have just added funds for more local bodies and equipment. Not enough was the problem, not what kind?
Cutting State services and sending some of the savings back to the Sheriff will keep his head out of the sand. But, then again, you folks keep trying to poke it there for him anyway!
Refunds??? Duh, we don't expect refunds, we just want them to balance the budget! Do you buy a new cadillac when you can't make the payment on a pinto?
Every State Agency will justify their existance as you do. The only answer is an across the board severe and deep laceration.
"You get what you pay for." So many examples of that not being true! For all of you who have lived here all your life, I won't lump you in with TS. That would be making the same illogical statements he continues to make! It's clear where his bread is buttered. But, the real question is whether he should have a knife in his hands???
a3,
You have never told us how many times you have been pulled over by or arrest by those that drive the blue cars.
you clearly have a deep seated anger for the state police, how sad as it is they who may pull you out of your car some day when you crash.
I am sorry for you that you have such anger, counseling might be of help for you and your anger.
I see from the banner, rag that it is, they have cleared the 911 director of any wrongdoing. Sounds like a disgruntled employee to me, or a power hungry sheriff.
I wonder what it cost the taxpayers of Barry Co. to find out that there was no wrongdoing? And you speak of saving taxes?
Get some counseling you will feel better.
truthseeker
Well Said Ag3
The State Police need a complete overhaul of their structure and leaders. Hiring and training those with too much ego over the years has severely affected their functioning. They are rapidly losing respect from the courts and citizens due to internal problems, criminal actions by troupers, poor treatment of citizens, etc... and are beginning to become more burden than help in the state.
It doesn't help them when A trouper in Houghton is busted for fraud, cadets are road racing on the freeway (and then their instructors "circle the wagons" by saying the complaints were lies until one of the complainants turned out to be a judge, lol), our local trouper hut has a gun thief within, etc... it appears they might have too much time on thier hands and get into trouble because of it.
And I for one have witnessed way too many retired state "Bulls" take that same arrogance into thier next employement. It just doesn't create much support for them.
They have a tremendous amount of repair to do before they get much support I am afraid.
children's dad,
I believe this is the correct spelling " Trooper"
Sorry, Spell Check strikes again, lol.
The truth is there was "insufficient" evidence at this time. People "suddenly" changed their stories. Just like OJ! Found not guilty in one Court and has to pay millions in the other. Where's the truth in that one sayeth the seeker?
Sad that you see anger in being able to hit 4 state posts with rocks thrown from so close?
Sad you see anger because I said someone should have touched the state police Directors shoulder at one million over budget and told him to slow down.
I went over budget last month. Went to my neighbor to borrow and he said "NO", live within your budget or quit spending, now get off my porch or I will call the state police!
we continue to move rapidly backwards here in Barry Co.
Five steps back, two steps forward. How's the weather in Kent County?
a3,
never lived there, as I stated before lived here all of my life, can you say that?
not sure what the comment director means, but if it was a complement, thanks, remember there is nothing wrong with seeking out professional help for your anger or other issues you may be dealing with.
truthseeker
What better proof that professional help doesn't always work! But, at least you know where all the shrinks are. Or do you? Better check under your bed tonight, have you been hearing the noises under there? They're coming after you, one steeeeppppppppp at a time, slowly but surely. Do you "wrap" yourself around every corner? They are there, you know! Do you look into their eyes and see what they are telling the rest of us?
Thump,thump, thump, thump, thump, can you hear them?
I can hear my mother say---
"Now if you boys can't play nice together, we won't let you play at all!"
and then I can hear my father say---
"Skip that! Make this a clean fight. Go to your corners and come out swinging!"
Chuckle - Chuckle. I am my father's son.
No word from TS, I'm checking Kazoo Psychiatric Hospital. We really want to support you TS, in your quest for the truth via couch talk!
I will let the Det. News speak
STATE TROOPERS PUT POLITICIANS TO SHAME
Layoffs averted after union pays $400,000 to state government
The Detroit News, Editorial
Police protection should never be a political issue, but of course that's impossible in Michigan, where 29 state troopers were slated for layoffs until their union stepped in and saved the day.
All of the troopers who were told to turn in their badges and guns on Sunday are on the job today thanks to a $400,000 payment the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, the troopers' union, made to the state. The money will only keep them on the job through June 2, with the hope -- and expectation -- that state lawmakers have budget fixes in place before the state is forced to shut down in late May.
When legislators finally correct the $686 million deficit in the current budget, and the $1 billion or larger hole for next year, they need to ensure that police protection is maintained, not slashed. That's possible without laying off troopers, but it will take engaged officials in Lansing, who until now haven't been too concerned about the trooper situation.
"No one has approached us at all about finding solutions," says Michael Moorman, president of the troopers' union. "The entire idea to save these jobs has come solely through the troopers' association."
One would expect that before layoffs were announced, state officials would comb through budgets and contracts to find savings. Concessions also should be sought before troopers are taken off the street.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered the layoffs to help plug a $14 million deficit in the State Police budget that is due to overspending. It's interesting to note that the governor finds trooper layoffs acceptable, but she vehemently opposes a proposal to cut per pupil education spending by $34. It's clear where her union allegiances lie.
That's further supported by her underwhelming response to the trooper association's action.
"While we are pleased," she said in a statement, "this is just a temporary solution."
Precisely. It's time for Granholm and the Legislature to act now to keep state troopers on the street.
a3, cd, ringwingnut, & pw,
now tell me who really cares about the citizens of this state? It really comes down to some talk (you)
others do.
I can not wait to read, actually I can, your small mind comments on this article.
ts
A political play on the part of the union. They also are participating in hogging the airwaves to report every arrest they make. Child Abuse Workers are just an important, maybe more. Turn future criminals into good citizens. Wouldn't need the police so much then would we?
I'm surprised you could even read the News? Or was an interpreter hired for you!
Did you check the Employment section?
a3,
I have finally figured out why you do not want the state police here, you must either be a person who is afraid of being caught, or you have been caught by them and you are mad.
I can think of no other reason that a community would not want all the cops they could get other than they do not want to be held accountable to the law.
I have urged you here before, get some help for your problem, you will not find it at the bar of the Bedford Steak House.
Having said all of this, I do see merit in having either the state or the county take over the many samll police depts. in this county and thus eliminate all of the overhead these twp. have.
I am told when they did this in Calhoun Co. it has worked quite well, other than when the city had to assorb officers from the small barney fife type depts.
The comment to me was that they just were not trained to do the job and many had trobule with the rules.
ts
LOL Trouble with the rules? Who better than you to lecture me or anyone else on that one! You are the King of "rules don't apply to me!" How long before you moved into Barry County?
You were told wrong in Calhoun County! Pennfield opted out and went with the Sheriff's Dept. Bedford not happy either, but when you give up your PD and all its equipment its hard to start over. Plus, City did not take any Pennfield officers. Plus, Mr Ill-informed, there are still many Barney Neils in Calhoun. Your brain went dead at the metro Battle Creek area limit. Could it be dementia?
What you think, and that's the whopper of the problem, gets you the most in trouble. Perhaps you should call who you think is somewhere other than their home. See who answers the phone minus work time. Think on Tinkerbell!
State not mean't to patrol the streets (gang problems, homicides, etc). Their job is the highways
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