Accomplishment #2
We have dramatically improved relationships with other agencies,
particularly the Sheriff’s Office. One
of my first acts as police chief was to tear down a locking door separating the
Police Department and Sheriff’s Office.
There was a collective sigh of relieve as this symbolically signaled the
end of a long-standing rift between agencies.
Sheriff Paul Wilde and I continued by eliminating reserved parking for
us and our captains and other unnecessary “reserved for IFPD only” and “reserved
for BSO only” parking.
Paul and I made a blood oath to cooperate no matter what, which
led to collaboration on technology, a joint major crimes task force, crime
intelligence, and a common records system allowing us to see each other’s
cases, suspects, and other data sharing.
Not only do we get a lot more bang-for-the-buck in tax dollars, but we
are more effective working as a team.
All this works because Paul and I set aside our egos for the common good. Cops aren’t known for small egos so this isn’t something that comes naturally. Just ask Rebecca.