Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Sunday, February 10, 2008

A Letter To The Publisher


Mr. Albero,


I took this picture as I was coming out of Red Lobster this evening. I just love how our tax dollars are put to such good use for these guys to gallavant around town. I like the Sheriff's office, but here recently I have seen this more and more. I am not at all suprised when the SPD does it, but not the Sheriff's deputies. I figured it would interest you none the less.

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Remember that next time you are broken down on the side of the road and a deputy(OFF DUTY)stops in his/her police car and helps you.

Anonymous said...

personally I don't begrudge police that risk their lives for me the use of a car. I do resent other state and local government employees that have take home cars.

Anonymous said...

Off duty officers are encouraged to drive their police cars while off duty to at least show a sign of "presence" of law enforcement. This is one restaurant that won't get robbed!

Anonymous said...

An off duty cop car driving around does the same amount of good as one that's on duty.

Anonymous said...

It's not going to get any better. They are above the law and they know it. I can't believe this county. Over the last 4 years the Sheriffs department has had more increases than any other county office and they want more. Crime in Wicomico County goes up every year and so does the sheriffs department budget. Somehow this equation doesn't add up.

Anonymous said...

I, being a cop, have made arrests and handed many citations off duty, in my take home car. It is a great tool to keep the public safe. We are encouraged to use the cars off duty. Every time we do, it is logged and many times I have also changed tires and pushed cars off of the road and waited for tow trucks.

Anonymous said...

If you use the car 24/7 you should serve the public that pays you. Why do cops always need to be told how great a job they are doing or are always looking for praise? We have 18 and 19 year old men & women sleeping in the sand in Iraq that don't ask the general public to praise them for what they are doing. Their next step could be their life and they just do it and say nothing.

Anonymous said...

anonymous said, anonymous said.....come on girls, OWN UP!!

Anonymous said...

More self righteous BS from the deputies at wcso! I remember an incident on Nanticoke Rd. of what can happen.

Anonymous said...

The Wicomico Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police, Delmar Police, and the Fruitland Police have take-home vehicle programs. The SPD is the only agency in the county that does not have a take-home car program for patrol officers. The benefit of take-home police vehicles is a symbiotic benefit for both officers and the community.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
It's not going to get any better. They are above the law and they know it. I can't believe this county. Over the last 4 years the Sheriffs department has had more increases than any other county office and they want more. Crime in Wicomico County goes up every year and so does the sheriffs department budget. Somehow this equation doesn't add up.

7:59 PM

Being a city resident I will be the first one to tell you that the reason the crime may have gone up in the county is because of the city. DUH!! Salisbury is the 11th most dangerous city in the nation. By the way where did you get your facts that crime is up in the county?

Why do you hate cops so much. Please don't call them the next time a criminal is beating your punk ass because we don't want to see that increase the stats. It might cause you to have to pay a fraction of a cent more in taxes for more staff.

"Crime in Wicomico County goes up every year and so does the sheriffs department budget."

Hey stupid! Do you think maybe this equation speaks for itself? DUH!

Steve, thanks for the comments and thank you for your service.

By the way I am not a cop. I value their service just as you should and I would support any increase they need.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
More self righteous BS from the deputies at wcso! I remember an incident on Nanticoke Rd. of what can happen.

8:34 PM

COP HATER!!

What's a matter bozo did you break the law and get caught? Did you get mad when you were issued a citation for speeding? WAH WAH WAH!!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
The Wicomico Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police, Delmar Police, and the Fruitland Police have take-home vehicle programs. The SPD is the only agency in the county that does not have a take-home car program for patrol officers. The benefit of take-home police vehicles is a symbiotic benefit for both officers and the community.

8:36 PM

"The SPD is the only agency in the county that does not have a take-home car program for patrol officers."

Did anyone mention the nations 11th most dangerous city? Do you see a pattern here?

I rode by the city pd this weekend and saw an entire parking lot full of vehicles just sitting there. Doesn't make any sense to me. How stupid is this administration. I guess they park the vehicles so that there can be enough fuel for Kojak to drive his city vehicle to Crisfield, Ocean City and Florida. Yes he has taken a city car to Florida.

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:59PM
Ok, so you are annoyed with the WCSO, where is your similiar distaste for the MSP.
Sheriffs deputies have no more benefits than do the State Police,and they are far more visual than are the State Police.
There is no greater crime prevention tool than to have a cop car parked near a potential crime tarket. For example a would be robber pulls up to a Quik Stop and there is a Sheriffs car sitting there, you guess what happens next.
Let me help NOTHING!

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:47

crime goes and we pay more. I think your the stupid one. If you think you can beat my punk ass. Just tell me where and when and I will be there. LOL
You backwoods hick.....

Anonymous said...

I wish you people who make the anonymous statements would grow some balls and fess up. I bet you wouldn't cause your scared. If someone sees what you wrote, you can count on some hate because some people actually appreciate police. I don't care either way the city is wasting money on other stuff than the cops.

Anonymous said...

This was fun. I love the way people in Wicomico County defend the police. I thank you and so do the officers.

Anon 7:59, 8:18 & 9:10

I'm out

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Anon 8:47

crime goes and we pay more. I think your the stupid one. If you think you can beat my punk ass. Just tell me where and when and I will be there. LOL
You backwoods hick.....

9:10 PM

Just as I thought a cop hating criminal with a violent background. You are the one that is a backwoods hick. You should have stayed in high school to learn proper grammar. See crime doesn't pay does it you high school drop out.

I didn't say I could beat your ass, but I am sure I can :-D

Anonymous said...

"The SPD is the only agency in the county that does not have a take-home car program for patrol officers."

The SPD are too chicken to do anything about crime while on duty, what makes you think they could help while off duty.

Anonymous said...

I found out from a fireman friend that the reason you always see the cops and fireman at Panera is because they get 1/2 off the price of their meal. Good deal!
I don't mind the take home care thing because I do believe it helps deterre crime.
But when my daughter and her girlfriend are escorted by a MSP Officer in a trooper car coming from Secrets in OC with the lights on at 100 mph when he had also been driving that is really pushing it!

Anonymous said...

But when my daughter and her girlfriend are escorted by a MSP Officer in a trooper car coming from Secrets in OC with the lights on at 100 mph when he had also been driving that is really pushing it!


did you mean when he had also been DRINKING?

Anonymous said...

Don't allow a few rotten apples in the basket (refering to some Law Enforcement Officers) turn you against all of the LEO's in Wicomico County or anywhere, there is good and bad in all, and you have some of your most dedicated in this county as well

Anonymous said...

In other areas of the country, a beat cop gets his meals free when he is on duty. Of course, we don't have cops here that walk the beat so no need of feeding them free they are riding, right? Sheesh. How cheap can any business be? If a cop is in uniform, its meal time, feed him/her damn it. You'll throw more than he/she will eat at the end of the day anyway.

Johnnnys & Sammys used to feed any working man breakfast free on Sunday morning. Johnny said it wasn't right for a man to have to work on Sunday the least he could do is provide him a meal. As many of you know that was one of the most popular restaurants on the entire shore at one time. Take a lesson restauranteurs.

Anonymous said...

Maybe we should all drive police cars and park them everywhere as a deterrent. And we could get those cardboard cutout troopers that look like radar shooters to sit next to us.

Anonymous said...

Let us all not forget the simple fact that take home cars save the taxpayers money. Ie have you ever seen a SPD car that is three or four years old that is not beat up, dented, rusting or ragged out. WCSO and MSP cars can get upwards of 150 to 180 k on them and still look good and run decent. SPD cars more than a year old are ragged and worn out. Also SPD pays Soft Touch on a daily basis to wash their cars. WCSO and MSP Deputies/Troopers wash and care for their own cars. Simple fact, if it's yours you take better care of it.

ENFORCER MD

Anonymous said...

In reading the original post, it doesn't state whether or not the poster took the time to determine whether or not the Deputy was on or off duty. It says that the poster noticed the vehicle on their way out. Therefore, they have no idea whether the Deputy was on or off duty. Instead of automatically assuming they were off duty, I like to take the opposite approach. I'm going to assume they were on duty until proven otherwise. Are you telling me that a Deputy can't take a dinner break during their 10 hour shift? Or, are you regulating where they can and can't eat? Which is it? I have eaten at Red Lobster while working on numerous occasions. Ride by at lunch time, quite a few people frequent Red Lobster during work. It is preferred over the many fast food options in the area and is much healthier. Remember, Deputies work around the clock. They don't have "normal" lunch or dinner hours that the rest of us do. Their lunch break may be at 7:00 pm or 3:00 am. Usually, they don't get one at all because they are too busy.

This has the appearance of a post from a fire fighter. Someone who is attempting to deflect attention from this board to another profession. The old "Yeah I know I'm screwed up but look at them. They are just as screwed up" It reminds me of the old adage "a drowning person will try to pull anyone they can under with them" or "misery loves company".

The poster must have been an only child who never had a brother or sister to blame their shortcomings on. Get over it.

Lastly, regarding Panera or any other business giving discounts. Police and/or fire cannot control business decisions or company policies. Like anyone else in this world, when you approach a register and they tell you a price....you pay it. It makes more of a scene and disrupts other patrons to stand and argue with an employee who, ultimately, is required to follow policy and procedure. The reason they are eating at Panera is because it is healthier than fast food and is conveniently located.

Marine said...

This Blog should be called , lets all make defametory comments about good and decent people . You cowards love to throw stones when there are no names attached to them.
Thank you to all that defend Police and Firemen, however to all of you keyboard tough guys, do me a favor handle your own problems throw away all your phones and for goodness sake don’t eat any meals at Red Lobster or you may have to share the parking lot with a lowly Cop, why the heck does he get to eat there huh?

Anonymous said...

How about saving all of the moral outrage directed at hardworking decent police and firemen and focus it on the real crooks in this city--BARRIE TILGHMAN and her cronies. Your anger should be directed to the people skimming MILLIONS of dollars from the taxpayers, nobody seems to mind COmegys tooling around in a State vehicle. Perspective, people.

Anonymous said...

Letting law enforcement officers have official cars 24/7 is wise because of the benefit to all of us. They get to drive the car, and we get police protection during their off duty hours. It would be a little unfair to expect them to drive their own cars when off duty but still be available to us wherever and whenever we need them. If we don't want them to have any official cars when they're not on the clock, then we should have to call on-duty officers to every scene where help is needed.

Tim Chaney said...

I agree law enforcement should be allowed to drive their work vehicles, it clearly is a sign of presence. A good law enforcement officer is on duty 24/7.

They can also be driving vehicles siezed from drug busts. Probably more officers out there than you actually see.

According to the paper this morning the request for $84,000 for six months of overtime is OK by me, if they work they must be paid. However I think it would serve the public better to add 5 more officers in this years budget instead of time and a half or $168,000 in overtime for an entire year.

Law enforcement need days off, vacations, sick days and time with their family like everyone else.

Anonymous said...

Much ado about nothing!

Chimera said...

Considering the average salary of a cop around here,I would say take-home cars are a justifiable "bonus" to officers-(I sure as hell would not take a job where I could get shot for 40k a year!)and being visible in patrol cars is a positive thing for crime prevention.The only problem I have with the practice is if the car is taken some distance out of jurisdiction-then its kind of excessive.If you live in Wicomico County and you are a Wicomico Deputy then any extra expense (fuel) is offset by strong police presence.And cops gotta eat too!

Anonymous said...

anonymous 9:26 pm said...

"The SPD are too chicken to do anything about crime while on duty, what makes you think they could help while off duty."

I have been reading post on this site for a long time and day after day people bad mouth the city police and it makes me sick. Almost everyone of you make these post under the name of anonymous. Who is the chicken here? It is easy to bad mouth somebody or group of people from a computer. What do you know of these officers or the work they do? All you know is the lies you make up in your own head to make yourself feel better about yourself and lame ass job you do at your current place of employment. I challenge you now to take your lazy ass into the Saisbury Police Department and do a ride along with them. Make sure you ask to ride along with their SET Unit. I know those officers would show you how they keep it real. There is alot of great work being done at SPD, however it is sad everyone is not prividged to see and read about all the great things are being done by so many of the detectives and officers. They only put out press releases of a selected handful of the numerous good cases that are being made.

It makes me sick to see how LEO's are bad mouthing other LEO's on this site. You are all doing the same job and crime will not get any better without the help and cooperation from all agencies.

"There's no need to fear"

Anonymous said...

Deputies can only drive their cars within the county unless they are on duty and maybe have something they have to do in another county like pick up or drop off prisoners for court dates. MSP can drive their cars all over the state and you want to complain about deputies driving within the county, the county isn't that big and in order to have a "take home" car they have to live within the county of Wicomico. Also the sheriff's office doesn't have a nice fenced in parking lot like SPD does I wonder how much stuff would go missing then, all the cars that sit outside at WCSO have all the stuff taken out of it before it is left outside for an extended amount of time. I also think SPD should be able to take their cars home as well but only if they live within city limits just like the deputies have to live within county limits.

Anonymous said...

"What's a matter bozo did you break the law and get caught? Did you get mad when you were issued a citation for speeding? WAH WAH WAH!!"

"I wish you people who make the anonymous statements would grow some balls and fess up. I bet you wouldn't cause your scared."

"crime goes and we pay more. I think your the stupid one. If you think you can beat my punk ass. Just tell me where and when and I will be there. LOL
You backwoods hick....."

"anonymous said, anonymous said.....come on girls, OWN UP!!"

"This has the appearance of a post from a fire fighter. Someone who is attempting to deflect attention from this board to another profession. The old "Yeah I know I'm screwed up but look at them. They are just as screwed up" It reminds me of the old adage "a drowning person will try to pull anyone they can under with them" or "misery loves company"."

"Ok, so you are annoyed with the WCSO, where is your similiar distaste for the MSP.
Sheriffs deputies have no more benefits than do the State Police,and they are far more visual than are the State Police."

"The poster must have been an only child who never had a brother or sister to blame their shortcomings on. Get over it."

"The SPD are too chicken to do anything about crime while on duty, what makes you think they could help while off duty."

"All you know is the lies you make up in your own head to make yourself feel better about yourself and lame ass job you do at your current place of employment. I challenge you now to take your lazy ass into the Saisbury Police Department and do a ride along with them."

This is the example of the attitudes of law enforcement in this area! What a joke. Swearing, challenging people, calling names, and pointing figures at everyone else? This is like hearing whining 5 year olds arguing over a swing set.

This is a horrible example you all set. Saddest thing is ewing and underdog are apparently officers of some sort. Way to go calling people girls, lame asses and lazy asses.

I worked the job long ago, what it has become is a shame. Thanks for embarrassing me, and even more so, yourselves.

Anonymous said...

Underdog... go win some cases for once and shut the hell up! SET unit? What a bunch of crap, you are no better than the rest of your department. Not one of you are worth a damn. Over- confident, bad arrest making liars. Keep it real? like you're scared little ass kissing partner? Or what about the runt in Joe's pictures? Or the other jerk with the loud mouth wife? Hell, I'll even mention the rapist. LOL. How's that for keeping it real?

Tim Chaney said...

Hey underdog, like you aren't posting anonymously? Unless your birth certificate reads Underdog, your just another griper with no cajones and an anonymous front.

Talk about a chicken, grow some nads and try to keep it real, OK?

Anonymous said...

I love this thread I have been ranting about it for some time with buddies. It is absolutely rediculous for tax payers and ticket payers to be funding officers driving their cars home and all over town. I personally love to sit out front and watch them pull into the neighborhood. Theres a 50 yard strip with no houses you here them floor it up then Slam the brakes. make them pay for the gasoline and pads and rotors driving these cars theses hard or upfit their personal cars with over 20,000 of police equipment that would remain property of the department but in their personal vehicles and let them run the Piss out of their own stuff. I dont want to pay for cars that get in the neighborhood of 5 to 7 MPH under these driving habits at current rates of gas.

Charge them 25 cents a mile they drive after they clock out.

if they are driving the cars off the clock and working off duty give them less hours and tell them write more tickets. the more tickets they bring they should be qualified for additional vacation time. and they can have the car during vacation and write tickets all they want on their vacation but dont let them stick their hand out like they are on the clock.
something for crying outloud. this is beyond rediculous.




as far as police vehicles waiting for tow trucks or assisting with tire changes by at least turning on their strobes for safety and shining the spotlight for them I see alot of officers passing these vehicles needing assistance. I am to the point where I am really considering installing hideaway strobes on my truck and mini light bar rear glass and assisting providing safety and assistance the cops dont ever seem to.

Anonymous said...

why does the salisbury police department have 2 horse trailers? they both never move that i have seen when i have rode by the lot on isabella street and where do they keep the horses i have never seen them ride? Most officers dont seem to be in shape to even ride a horse and there isnt a place to keep their donuts and coffee.

Anonymous said...

What happened to the totalled police car sitting in SPD? and when? anyone got any links to that story? and what if the take home cars other departments have start looking like it from inciddents while off duty? Assuming its never the officers fault

Anonymous said...

if you think this is bad I have been pulled over by an off duty officer way out of district in his take home vehicle with his mother (or his wifes mother) wife and 2 kids on 50 in queenstown, md. i later saw him with another saw the officer in the courthouse here in wicomico county in uniform. I am not sore as he only took my license talked to me and handed it back (no warning or ticket issued) but its just the ignorance of putitng his family at risk on a holiday. he didnt know if I had a grenade, assault rifle loaded handgun in the car but he still "took his family to work and put their life at risk over something as stupid as doing 70-75 in a 55. I was simply going the same speed as him for about 6 miles on the eve of thanksgiving.

the officer who took his vehicle to reb lobster probably has his family in the car.

Anonymous said...

You think they make 40k a year. Delmar don't, unless you've been there 15 years. The town clerks make more than the cops. It's dangerous working the town hall window. REMEMBER: Cops give up the right to freedom of speach. We get into trouble if we speak out. See general orders of ANY PD. We speak through the FOP or in blogs., anonymous.

Anonymous said...

ANON 11:03 cracks me up, he is talking about running the piss out of their vehicles he says "Theres a 50 yard strip with no houses you here them floor it up then Slam the brakes" he can't even spell hear and what does "floor it up" mean? Then he talks about writing more tickets but yet he will be the first one complaining about getting a ticket. He would also be one of the first to complain if he didn't see enough police presence within the county. Why complain about the police driving their cars and not complain about all the other county employees and city employees driving their vehicles home when they don't even live within the city or county. Some people need to find other things to complain about because these cops driving their cars home is by far not the reason out county has no money there are many more important problems that need to be addressed.

Anonymous said...

Still Kicking,

Officers are not allowed to rebut criticizm in public because it would not be professional and I've had to bite my lip for 21 years. This is a forum where we CAN rebut criticizm and not shine a bad light on our departments, well, not any worse than already exists. I'm sorry you're embarassed.

"Law without force is impotent!"

Anonymous said...

Steve... good argument, but I see so many things on here that shock the hell out of me.
Officers cutting down each other, Mr. Albero, and civilians for giving opinions.
Officers using profanity in rebuttal.
Officers blaming others for their lack of respect for each other and the citizens who pay their salary.
Officers messing with other peoples significant others.
The lack of compassion for the few who do their job with dignity and loyalty on and off the job.
The lack of truthfulness within the job.
The fact it seems that all the self righteousness that always seem to come to the surface. It almost seems that greed and selfishness has flourished so deeply in the job, that salary and take home cars are the center topic for law enforcement to argue amongst each other. I wanted the job for the risk. Just for the simple fact that I may have a chance to change a life, even save one. When something good is done someone always finds away to put a name on it. I'm surprised that there are not more police on medical leave for hurting themselves by patting themselves on the back so often.
And mostly the lack of acceptance of responsibility.
Should I mention the so called "leaders" who continue to let this behavior happen. That is a whole new topic in itself.

I remember the day when "brotherhood" meant going to the limits for one another. That means going to the limits to keep each other OUT of trouble, not defend and lie once in it! When it meant something to save each others families, reputations, and feelings not ruin them.
To not abuse or take advantage of the "perks" of the job.
To stop and help people in need whether in a POV or a take home car. Then when it's all done never even mention it to anybody.

Those days are long gone.

I still have hope. It has to start somewhere, apparently not with anyone who logs in here. The way the opinions are voiced here by police is an embarrassment to the respected agencies. Anyone with half a mind can figure out which agencies the voices are coming from.

Sad, Very sad.

Anonymous said...

Still Kicking

You're right about the Brotherhood issue, or lack of it. The younger officers all have personal problems with each other, and they let it show. There's no such thing as a "Band of Brothers" here.
BUT, we're here about take home cars aren't we.

Anonymous said...

Notacop give us your name, let the public check your criminal history. Scared now are we? You are probably the one who has a criminal history 100 pages or so deep. Doubting that SET team? Too chicken shit to see what they get into? Where are you when they calls from the "wonderful" citizens stating shots fired in the church st area....probably running cause you were the one getting into that shit causing more issues for the law enforcement agencies. Instead of running and saying the cops aren't doing anything why dont you keep your happy ass there and let "underdog" or his "ass kicking partner" or any of the other SET team members come KEEP IT REAL! Thats one less criminal that will be on the streets costing this city and SPD its time and resources.

Anonymous said...

Paying your disrespectful self for making lame, shady arrests, then patting yourself on the back for it is your claim to fame, keep it. Go get a crack pipe and lose yet another case why don't ya! I think it said "ass kissing partner"?

Anonymous said...

Paying your disrespectful self for making lame, shady arrests, then patting yourself on the back for it is your claim to fame, keep it. Go get a crack pipe and lose yet another case why don't ya! I think it said "ass kissing partner"?

Anonymous said...

If a so called "street unit" considers serving warrants at wcdc and trespassing arrests are "keeping it real" then shut up NOTACOP! At least they are doing something.

Looks like STILLKICKING hit the nail on the head again here!

Anonymous said...

Police is to protect and serve the hue and cry of the community they work for. Hue and cry of the public says drug dealers, users, and prostitutes need to be arrested and charged, cause they are tired of their children finding these crack pipes and condoms from these addicts and prostitutes.

In some ways your right the "brotherhood/band of brothers" is gone for SOME of the men/women that wear the badge. They would rather belittle other officers and their work just to fulfill their own egos as opposed to saying "good job" and being in on the "team concept of fighting crime". That's why some are no longer on or wanted on the "Team".

If you already aren't on the force, and have complaints about how the police work is done, grab an application, make it through the background checks, hit the academy then come clean up the streets with the police as opposed to being a tough guy on the blog spot. APPLICANTS WANTED TOUGH TALK NOT!

Anonymous said...

Anon 2:52/anon 2:53 a.k.a. TM sounds like he's back to belittling others!

Anonymous said...

7:46: Another phone call from a friend who reads this crap, and here I am. Once again, I haven't said or wrote squat. Especially about my own friends. I mind my own and do my job. I was even informed about the "loud mouth wife" comment and ignored it. You know of me and who I am. If I have something to say I will say it. If anyone wants to say anything about me or my family grow some guts and come to me. 7:46, whoever picked on or insulted you or your buddies in any way has given you an outlet to blame me. Cut this blog stuff and come talk to me, if you are an officer and do not you are the one of the two faced cowards that some speak of on here. I have no need to belittle others. AGAIN, some time ago it was ONE other. And that is long gone. Now you sit under anonymous and try to provoke an attack on me once more?
I will say that to your face. Not put you out on a blog site. Guaranteed.
I was at the gym with my son during this time anyway, check with two members of the CAT unit, they were there.

TM

Anonymous said...

True That! It was one of your so called "friends" or "team" who put your initials on here!
You are not a naive person, so don't pretend to be TM.

-DNG