Integrity
Restoring fairness and integrity, improving the image of the agency, and gaining back the public trust squandered by the last two administrations will be cornerstones of the Tritt administration.
Regardless of your level of experience, if you attempt to lead an organization without integrity, sooner or later it will all fall apart. Nearly $200,000 of taxpayer money has been spent to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against the former sheriff who resigned in disgrace. Trust of the current sheriff has deteriorated over his handling of two high- profile drunk driving incidents involving law enforcement personnel in 2004. Just months before, this same sheriff put a press release on the HCSO website stating, “There will be no warnings. Our message is simple- You Drink, You Drive, You Lose. Violators can lose their licenses, time from their jobs, and lose money in high fines and court costs, as well as possibly face imprisonment for repeat offenses, assault and vehicular manslaughter. Refuse a blood alcohol concentration test and you can lose your license on the spot and have your car impounded. You’ll be spending your money on bail and towing fees instead of holiday gifts.” (Source: HCSO website) Although the incumbent sheriff talks tough, he failed to mention these consequences did not apply to his command staff, only to “regular citizens.”
On March 12, 2004, a member of the command staff, a captain, was pulled over by a patrol deputy on the way home from a party where he and the newly appointed sheriff had both been drinking. According to the Aegis, after this member was pulled over, the deputy detected an odor of alcohol on the captain’s breath. The captain was given a ride home and not charged with any violations. Only after the Aegis printed the story, and the public became outraged, did the sheriff ask the state’s attorney to review the case to see if any charges could be filed, nearly two weeks after the incident occurred. The sheriff himself had to be driven home, as he was in no condition to drive after having “a few drinks,” and certainly in no condition to provide leadership or discipline to his wayward captain. This particular incident happened on a Friday, and the sheriff apparently did not think the problem serious enough to deal with until three days later. Unbelievably, the sheriff gave this deputy who endangered our community AN AWARD for MERIT only months later. This is outrageous not only because of the deputy’s actions, but because it “cheapens” the awards of those in the agency who truly deserve recognition.
In November 2004, the sheriff met with the Harford County legislative delegation to expand municipal police departments’ authority outside their respective jurisdictions when they observe crimes being committed. This was in response to an incident where an Aberdeen P.D. officer outside the Aberdeen City limits pulled over an off-duty officer for suspected DUI. The officer was unable to charge the violator with any crime. While I support this authority, I believe the sheriff’s actions are disingenuous, as he failed to enforce the law while the problem was occurring. The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county - it is his constitutional duty to maintain order in the community. The sheriff should have a clear and consistent policy for his deputies to follow in these circumstances- there should be no doubt about the course of action that will be taken every time a DUI occurs. Deputies should be confident in doing the right thing, every time, without fearing reprisals. Giving people a ride home sends the wrong message. Many lives are ruined every day because of drunk driving. People are killed, injured, and crippled for life because of DUI. Every 31 minutes, nearly 50 times a day, someone in America dies in an impaired driving- related crash. While the current sheriff pays only lip service to this problem, I will take immediate action to reduce this problem. DUI violators will be dealt with appropriately and the law will apply to everyone, regardless of their position. Favoritism in law enforcement breeds disrespect for the law. This type of inconsistency can also affect recruiting, as quality recruits will avoid agencies perceived as being corrupt. I will require high standards, not double standards, from all agency personnel, regardless of rank or position.
I will vigorously defend and protect the name and reputation of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. The professionalism and dedication of our deputies demands a leader who will settle for nothing less.
Committee to Elect Dave Tritt · Authority Brian K. Powell, Treasurer.