Letter about officers full of racial innuendo

RE: Tonya Sumpter letter of Oct. 22:

First, let me say that I was surprised this paper would print your letter. Your letter showed pure hatred toward law enforcement and was full of racial innuendo. You personally attacked the Vickers family and their values without knowing the family personally. You referenced sheriff's department regulations and state jurisdictions of which you apparently have no knowledge.

A deputy sheriff has jurisdiction in each county that abuts the county wherein he or she has taken the oath by the sheriff. This does not mean that Sheriff Dennis sends his people into Lee or Clarendon County to enforce law. I think I had best clarify that before someone like Ms. Sumpter jumps on that bandwagon. Sheriffs can have a mutual aid agreement with surrounding counties to assist in times of crisis. Officers attend and are certified by a state training facility, South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, assuring that each agency receives the same basic training, which allows the officers to be used statewide. I know of no law enforcement agency in South Carolina where an officer must live within "five miles of the station" or their personal vehicle must be driven to the "station" to retrieve their vehicle. There are deputies from Richland, Lee, Kershaw and Clarendon County that reside in Sumter County. Some of the larger cities allow only the supervising officers and detectives to drive the assigned car home; other officers have to exchange vehicles as shifts rotate. Many surveys were done in the past, you know, the place you don't want us to live in, Ms. Sumpter, that shows a vehicle assigned to an officer far outlasts the usage of a rotated vehicle. Officers with assigned vehicles keep the maintenance up, vehicle clean, and tend to not abuse it by harsh vehicle operation.

As part of their "compensation" package, an officer in Sumter County is told that the use of their vehicle while "off duty" is a perk due to the lower wages. I believe the county valued this to be approximately $5,000 of their earnings. Restrictions have been placed on the use of the vehicles while off duty, taking away some of the privileges that were granted but yet the pay has not been adjusted to make up the difference. And, in reference to your comment about the money this could have saved during the gas hike, officers were instructed not to drive their county vehicles for personal reasons to save on gas. This was adhered to by all the officers I know. Remember the actions of one does not reflect as a norm for all. This is in reference to your comments regarding the officer involved in the accident at the school. And you are correct, it would have never hit the news if a patrol car was not involved.

Officers are not allowed to answer calls with family members in their vehicles; they do use the radio to request a response from another unit to assist. They are not allowed to transport a "criminal" with family members in their vehicles. They are not allowed to follow in pursuit of a "criminal" with family members in their vehicles. But, as you so eloquently noted in your letter, yes, I am related to an officer. I am his wife! I know when we are in his law enforcement vehicle that I may be put out at anytime for him to respond to an emergency. My husband stops, whether in his county vehicle as well as our personal vehicle, to help a stranded motorist. Once, I had to help him stop traffic at an accident that we happened upon so the medical helicopter could land. This is just human nature. If someone needs help, we help them. You do not have to be a sworn law enforcement officer to feel the need to help someone.

Finally, your comments regarding supplementing their pay by having them live "rent free" in crime infested areas ... why? As stated, I am married to an officer plus I have two sons in law enforcement. Why should we be "made" to live in an area that is crime ridden? We sought education and hard work to be able to afford to live comfortably where we choose. Every person in my family is a taxpaying citizen. These officers are all taxpaying citizens. Why should we be forced to live in an area where the tenants have no regard for their safety or that of their families? The inhabitants of these areas know full well where the crime is coming from but no one will come forth to help law enforcement or themselves to better the community. Too often my husband and my children put their lives on the line for people who will not help themselves. They consider it part of their job. I consider it to be the most unrewarding, unrelenting and mundane job anyone could possibly want to do. But these officers go out day after day to protect you, your neighbors, and your family. It takes a special person to want to work with others' miseries day after day. And for this they are rewarded with letters, such as yours, from someone who knows nothing about their job but wants to appear knowledgeable. If you feel a need to respond further, Ms. Sumpter, please be advised that my husband is from the Midwest and I am from New England. We could care less about the flag you referenced.

MARGARET M. AUSTIN

Sumter