Part One of Series: "Choose Your Sheriff Wisely"

Dear Friends,

This year you will be asked to choose a new Sheriff for Howell County. This is a very important decision. You will be hiring the person that will administer the office of the chief law enforcement officer in this county. He will be responsible for patrolling the county, maintaining a secure detention center, the service of legal paperwork and the security of the courts. He will also be responsible for your safety 24/7. All of this on a very tight budget. This requires a wise choice.

As a voter, you are sitting on the personnel board, reviewing the applicants and hiring a new sheriff. First of all, you are looking for honesty and morality. Next, common sense and maturity. Then, experience in the fields that are necessary for this job. Some of these are: Supervisory and Management experience in a large complex police organization to develop rapid-fire decision making skills. Next, experience in a smaller rural police organization that develops the personal, one-on-one, policing ability. Preferably, this would entail working and managing in Howell County, where the vacancy is occurring. Make sure he has thousands of hours of documented training in the law enforcement field. Check his references, talk to the people he has worked with. Decide if he is fair, respected and impartial.

Last interview him. If not in person, then on the phone. if in person, look into his eyes, is he sincere? Either way, is law enforcement and helping people just a job, or is it a lifelong passion?

When you make a decision, share it with others. Tell them why and invite them to investigate on their own. Then, when the time comes, "VOTE", knowing that you made the right, informed decision, assured that if the time comes when you need the services of the Sheriff's Office, you will get the prompt, professional service that you are paying for and deserve.

Respectfully,

Major Jim Hedlesten
Republican Candidate for Howell County Sheriff
(417) 293-7654

Part Two: "Proactive Law Enforcement"

Dear Friends,

There are two types of law enforcement. They are "Reactive" and "Proactive." The "Reactive" type has been practiced in many areas in past years. With this type, the officer just sits and waits for a crime to occur, then goes out and tries to solve it. This system might work on "CSI: Miami", but unfortunately, this is the only place. It takes considerable time to get the results of DNA, fingerprints, gunshot residue, etc., back from the laboratory. By then , witnesses are forgetting, suspects are committing other crimes and/or leaving the area and investigators are distracted. In 2007, 1,635 crimes were reported to the Sheriff's Office. The case is getting cold.

In Proactive Law Enforcement, the goal is to prevent the crime from happening, or catch the criminal going to, or from the scene. Patrols must be very visible and routinely stop vehicles, for probable cause, usually traffic violations. Officers may then discover wanted criminals, possibly with the fruits of a crime. Persons en route to commit a crime, may see the officer and decide to not continue.

Randomly stopping "suspicious looking vehicles" without probable cause, will probably get the evidence discovered during these stops, thrown out of court. Both the officer and agency need to have a record of making these "Probable Cause" stops. A patrol officer cannot make one traffic stop a year and convince a court it was routine.

The goal here is not ticket writing. Simply warning the motorists and recording the stop is sufficient. This can be done while going about other normal patrol activities, such as checking residences, businesses and handling calls. The result will be crime prevention and solution along with the side benefit of preventing traffic deaths and property damage.

I endorse this kind of law enforcement. Anything less is counter productive and a waste of taxpayers' monies. My goal is to have adequately trained and equipped investigators to solve crimes. However, I would much rather intercede in a criminal activity, before you or your family becomes a victim. Working with the cooperation of the public and "Neighborhood Watch" groups, I believe we can enjoy a safer Howell County!

Respectfully,

Major Jim Hedlesten
Republican Candidate for Howell County Sheriff
(417) 293-7654

Part Three: "Chief Deputy"

Dear Friends,

It has been said that, "You cannot pick your relatives, however, you can pick your friends." Likewise, you cannot choose where you were born, although, you can choose where you live and work.

After many years of living and working elsewhere, and being exposed to many other areas, I decided to live here and continue my career. Even after decades of experience in law enforcement, there will always be new things to learn. This is especially true in a new area. The best teachers are my peers, those who have lived here, and worked in law enforcement for many years. They are my most valuable resource. One such important resource is the Howell County Sheriff's Office Chief Investigator, Lieutenant Gary Lambe.

Gary, a lifelong resident of Howell County, started his law enforcement career at the West Plains Police Department, in 1970. He served there for 14 years, working his way up to Assistant Chief. Gary left the Police department to begin a full time career in the Missouri National Guard as a military police officer, serving one tour of duty in Vietnam. He retired from the National Guard in 2001 at the rank of Master Sergeant. At that time, he began his current position in the Sheriff's Office.

Gary holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Missouri State University in West Plains and currently teaches Law Enforcement Supervision and Management, part-time, at that institution.

If I am elected, Gary Lambe will be the Howell County Sheriff's Office "Chief Deputy."

As previously stated, the entire supervisory and command staff has been my most valuable resource. I have confidence in them and have worked closely with them for the past six years. They, along with their subordinates, have served the citizens of Howell County faithfully and will be encourage to continue on as part of my team.

Respectfully,

Major Jim Hedlesten
Republican Candidate for Howell County Sheriff
(417) 293-7654

Part Four “EXPERIENCE”

How many times have we said, “If I only knew then, what I know now!” or “If I had the opportunity to do that again, I would do it differently!” The only difference between then and now, is experience. There is no substitute. There is only one way to get it and that is to live it!

Businesses requires it. Many want ads read, “Experienced only need apply,” or “X number of years experience required.” They are simply not interested in paying top dollar toward an “Earn while you learn” program.

We are about ready to elect a sheriff, the county’s top law enforcement officer. He will manage 40 employees, a 2.2 million dollar budget and be responsible for the safety of you and your family. This job calls for an expert in law enforcement management. Someone who has made both good and bad decisions and learned from all of them.

I have had more than 40 years of law enforcement experience as a patrol officer, first line supervisor, an administrative leader and command officer. The first 34+ years were in the Ohio Highway Patrol. The last 6+ years were right here, in the Howell County Sheriff’s Office. My primary function has been that of a command officer. Although, in a department this size, one must also be able to function as a patrol officer, or in any position where help is needed. If elected, I intend to continue with this personal flexibility. My first love is dealing with people.

I believe all of the candidates for this office are good, honorable men with the best intentions. Unfortunately, this may not be enough. This is a complex job, in a complex world. Rules of law continually change. Civil lawsuits for operational mistakes are more common. Convicting criminals is more difficult. Defendants have more rights than ever before, sometimes more than the victims. Again, experience is the key.

In times of limited budgets, it is important to use all resources effectively. Patrols must be directed at times and places where crimes are occurring, as the statistical data dictates. Investigations have to be coordinated and prioritized. Only years of training and experience can accomplish this.

Experienced in most facets of law enforcement, and head of a complex facility, I was an Administrator and Commander in a large statewide organization and currently a Division Commander in a smaller local department. This experience costs no more. In the long run it will probably cost less. With your support, I will assure that you have a law enforcement agency whose mission is to protect life and property, and provide professional public safety services with respect, compassion and professionalism. The safety of more than 37,000 people in this county depends on you!

Respectfully, (Part four of a series.)
Major Jim Hedlesten
Republican Candidate for Howell County Sheriff
(417) 293-7654

Part Five "THE BUDGET"

The ‘budget’ is the least favorite subject among those of us who have to live by one. Unfortunately, it is a necessary evil! The Sheriff’s Office operates from a budget, and like yours, it is stretched very thin. Here are some reasons why:

We are financed by three major sources: 1. $880,000 from the County’s ‘general fund,’ a fixed amount. 2. Law enforcement sales tax, approximately $1,200,000, a flexible amount based on sales tax revenues. 3. Civil Process and other court fees add another $150,000. Total income is approximately $2,230,000 annually. In today’s world, this is not an excessive amount of money used to operate a facility of this size. Operational costs are phenomenal.

The payroll alone is $1,800,000. The average salary is less than $25,000, plus benefits. Fuel costs are $90,000. Every time the price of gasoline goes up $1.00 per gallon, it costs us the salary of one deputy. Replacement vehicles and maintenance cost $100,000. Insurance and bonds run $130,000. Feeding prisoners cost $38,000 and providing medical care for prisoners is another $40,000.

In 1996 and 1997, the jail was expanded with monies generated by selling bonds. The Sheriff’s Office is still paying off that debt. Last year, payment was $130,000, based on current interest rates, with $720,000 still owed. If you are keeping score, you have probably noticed that our expenditures have exceeded our income, and I have only listed the highlights. How do we do it?

In April 2000, voters passed the Law Enforcement Sales Tax. At that time, the Sheriff’s Office was very small and the first year the tax was collected, their surplus was more than one million dollars. Since that time, we have been spending our income, and a piece of that surplus to make up the difference. The sad news is, as of this year, the surplus is gone. The new sheriff is going to have to tighten his belt and work harder and smarter to continue services at the present level.

As much as additional manpower is needed, the budget does not permit it. Anyone who promises to do so, is not facing facts. Federal grants are scarce and should not be relied on. I am planning strategies based on my management experience gained through the 1970’s energy crisis, and shortages since that time, to get the most out of the limited resources that we have. Proper management means you will receive the maximum service out of every tax dollar spent.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Respectfully, (Part five of a series.)
Major Jim Hedlesten
Republican Candidate for Howell County Sheriff
(417) 293-7654

Part Six “A 24/7 Sheriff”

What is a 24/7 Sheriff? Realistically, it is the only kind of Sheriff that you, as a taxpayer, can afford to elect! The term ‘24/7’ is the mark of any emergency services command officer. Those who hold this type of position have to be very dedicated to their cause. The position of sheriff is not the kind of job that calls for an 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, workweek. Someone in this position cannot show up whenever he feels the urge or claim overtime if he has to work longer hours.

A sheriff finds that very little time is left for his own family and/or activities, especially since his daily responsibilities now include the families of this entire county. He will be faced with endless time demands, late hours and hazardous duties. Also, this position is not for those who like to ‘party.’ A clear head is necessary when life or death decisions are required at any given time.

Time must be spent working on administrative matters and assisting the public. Time is required to remain up-to-date on new laws, rules and regulations that pertain to the Sheriff’s Office. And time must be spent “on the street” with operational personnel, to learn first hand, the problems that are being encountered. Only then, can he be an effective decision maker. Also, a sheriff must be very visible and gladly participate in community activities. No one can do all this in a 40-hour week. When duties are properly performed, the job is grueling and demanding, yet, rewarding.

In my entire career I have never asked for compensation for any regular overtime. I have always been available by phone, and if requested, in person, whenever needed, 24/7. Since beginning my law enforcement career at age 19, I have never had the desire to work in any other field. Helping and protecting people, and creating a safer environment within their communities, has truly been my life’s passion.

I have held this type of position for the majority of my 40-plus years in law enforcement, dedicating my life to public service. My lifelong service to humanity has proved it. I am not afraid of hard work or working hard. I have chosen to continue with this, because I feel that I am needed and that I can make a difference in people’s lives. My experience and expertise easily bring me up to this challenge.

The 24/7 position that I seek, can only be successfully filled by a person with the experience and dedication that I have outlined in this, and my previous articles. If you should choose to elect me as your next Sheriff, I promise you that I will continue to serve you with all of the enthusiasm that I displayed in my last 40-plus years of public service.

I will always have an “open door policy” to both the public and my personnel, 24/7. You can count on me when you and your family need someone the most. That is a promise I plan to keep!

Respectfully, (Part six of a series.)
Major Jim Hedlesten
Republican Candidate for Howell County Sheriff
(417) 293-7654