A Message from Sheriff Lanier

As previously stated in an earlier message, WE in law enforcement pride ourselves as keepers
of the peace and problem solvers.  But, law enforcement cannot bear the sole responsibility of
solving the “crime problems.”  As a community, WE must become involved as partners with
the Sheriff’s Office and local police agencies to enhance public safety.  And now, as never
before, this must take front row for us all.   

On July 23, 2009, I made a formal presentation of our proposed budget to the Hardee County
Board of County Commissioners.  We presented what WE needed to make our community
and officers safer and a better future for all.

The Sheriff’s Office budget for the past two years remained the same at $7,349,342.00.  The budget proposal for 2009/2010 was 9.93 percent increase, requesting fourteen positions.  Four deputies: (2 for completing 5 man squads/1 Civil/1 south zone to strengthen Zolfo Springs loss), Five detention deputies: (Jail-transport/inmate programs/visitation movement/strengthen squads), Four communications officers: reduce overtime/begin preparing to negotiate to dispatch fire/emergency services, and a certified nursing assistant for inmates to enhance our nursing staff for better coverage in medical care.

We will give back to the county in civil fees, services, insurance returns and unfilled positions $218,000.  Though inmate housing  dropped by $450,000 this year, we were able to make and return to the county $185,000. 

We average 155 prisoner intakes into the jail each month.  The men and women who staff our jail, process those (that in some cases should be in mental hospitals that no longer exist) to determine the appropriate housing classification and ensure that each inmate is humanely clothed, fed and given proper medical and mental health care.  Additionally, we staff the daily first appearance court hearings to which every detainee has a constitutional right; and transport detainees to court proceedings and make sure that each one is accounted for at every step of the way in the justice process.  Few of us ever see or appreciate those individuals in detention, or see the inside of a jail, but ALL of us depend on the detention personnel for incarceration of those who will not follow the rules of society.

The sagging economy is causing an increase in civil cases.  One of my constitutional responsibilities as Sheriff is to provide safety and security to our judges, court clerks, prosecutors, defense attorneys and citizens who enter our courthouse facilities every day. 

Calls for assistance are up in many areas.  In excess of 60,000 calls per year are handled through our communications center.  This is not the time, in my opinion, to reduce law enforcement and emergency services.  We cannot compromise services that you expect because of financial hard times.  We continue to scrutinize and evaluate how we might provide law enforcement as efficiently as possible. The budget I presented to the county commission this year reflected that.

Our budget for 2009/2010 has tentatively been cut by 3.09 percent ($220,481.00) from the budget year 2008/2009.  We have since learned that we were not awarded grant funding that would have added two positions.  To date, we have been awarded two grants, one that will add to the present narcotic task force and equipment.     

Continued budget cuts to law enforcement and emergency services are short sighted and dangerous.  They come at a time when we are overwhelmed with increasing crime and a greater demand for services throughout our county.  With the loss of jobs and other incidents that directly create stressful situations, our calls for service rise.  Drug and alcohol abuse, acts of violence, and other criminal acts are placing you and I in greater danger than ever before.  There are many existing problem areas where our officers are continually being dispatched.  Rest assured criminals are adapting to changes in the economy.   

My sworn obligation to the people of this county is to provide law enforcement services professionally, which you have a right to expect. That is my number one priority.  While I don’t agree with the budget cut this year, I am determined to make the best of this reduction that I can, while continuing to provide the best service.  Your support is greatly appreciated and I pray we all make the right decisions.

Arnold Lanier, Sheriff
Hardee County

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