Police Vacancy Changes Service In Neighborhood

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Sunday’s Janesville Gazette contained an editorial titled "Police Chief Is On Target With Change" that upon first glance appeared to be just a harmless exercise in support of the decision by the city’s police chief to cut a neighborhood liaison police officer from the Fourth Ward district. But after reading it, I was more confused than ever.

JG Excerpt:
But Police Chief Mahan’s explanation makes sense. His plan involves eliminating Sullivan’s position – originally designed as a temporary post – to restore a seventh detective.

Since the Gazette didn't mention why the vacancy existed in the first place, they probably should have left it at that but instead preferred to send their readers “in circles.”

JG Excerpt:
But Sullivan had been promoted to specialist and would be leaving the Fourth Ward anyhow.

Ok – so replace him.

JG Excerpt:
Mahan’s decision doesn’t come during budget negotiations.

Ok – so replace him.

JG Excerpt:
Furthermore, Mahan wants all his officers to serve community policing roles.

Having all the beat officers take a turn working as a community liaison officer is the way to go. It will give them valuable experience and the social skills often necessary to become better officers, so replace Sullivan now – and replace his replacement with a different officer six to twelve months from now. Great idea Chief Mahan! But….

JG Excerpt:
And the school district doesn’t share Sullivan’s salary.

Hey, wait a minute! This isn’t about fiscal cavalry – or is it?

JG Excerpt:
“I’ve got detectives with a considerable workload, and we’re asking very detailed and thorough investigations from them. So it’s really just that I’m doing an assessment of the workload and making an adjustment." -- Chief Mahan

Fair enough. But why go through all the other talk about filling a vacant position, a promotion, and suggesting a revolving community team? Why not just cut to the chase. But.....

JG Excerpt:
"In my perspective, it's a mistake to only set up certain officers as being community policing officers, -- Chief Mahan

Sounds good, but...

JG Excerpt:
Mahan believes regular patrol officers can develop a good rapport with young and old, as well. To facilitate this, he keeps officers assigned regularly to neighborhoods.

Ok – you lost me there but the Gazette believes it makes sense. And that is where I’ll leave it.

It appears Officer Sullivan has had a tremendous impact in the Fourth Ward which is great news but, it appears what comfort, confidence and connections Sullivan brings to the table is needed in other areas of the city – which may not be good news after all.