Scholl seeks second term
As far as Sheriff Rick Scholl is concerned, not having much to report is a good thing.
Back in 2006, when Scholl first won election, the naysayers predicted a mass exodus. They said he wouldn’t be able to fill department vacancies, wouldn’t be able to win allegiance from the rank-and-file after such a long time away (Scholl retired from the Mammoth Lakes Police Dept. in 1997 and began a second career in San Diego) and somehow didn’t deserve the post because he hadn’t physically lived in Mono County for a decade.
So what’s happened since?
Scholl reports that part 1 (serious) crime has declined 27% since he took office. The department is at full staffing, and manpower has been increased by three full-time positions and seven part-time court screeners.
And despite the charge at a recent candidate forum that Scholl doesn’t live in Mono County, well, last time he checked, Crowley Lake is located within Mono County.
Sheet: The charge is that Community Policing is actually Community-oriented public relations. The statistics seem to counter that claim. Has crime declined by itself or do you have something to do with it?
Scholl: The more often deputies are seen in the community, the more that tends to prevent crime. Police interaction with the public makes people more likely to trust police and divulge information about potential issues within the community. There are reams of studies that support this approach. It’s important to get out of your car. Overall, most of our deputies do an outstanding job, which is why our survey results are so positive.
Sheet: You’re a better man than I. The Sheet sends out no surveys. Give details.
Scholl: We send out a citizen’s survey form to 10 people randomly selected throughout the county each month to evaluate how we’re doing. 95-98% percent of the responses are positive.
Sheet: What other stuff have you implemented?
Scholl: I’m proud of the enhanced cooperation between my department and other agencies.
For example, we’ve got 11 different fire districts that we dispatch for, and we’ve created a more engaged relationship to improve our level of service.
And we just sent down some deputies to help out with Mule Days, which we do every year. We don’t charge for that. We just hope that down the line they can help us out. For example, when we were doing the eradication of the marijuana grows last summer, multiple agencies, including Bishop’s P.D., Mammoth P.D. Inyo Sheriff and CHP, provided assistance.
Sheet: Okay. Change of subject. Is the morale really that crappy?
Scholl: It truly isn’t.
Sheet: C’mon. You can dish here. No one’s reading this.
Scholl: Some people choose to see the glass as half-empty.
Sheet: What percentage have a bad attitude?
Scholl: A small percentage. The ones I hear from (the generally happy ones) are tired of the negative comments and feedback from a select few individuals.
Sheet: Would you encourage these select few individuals to look for new opportunities?
Scholl: Let me read from my Sheriff’s Directive, which I sent out in February. ‘Once again, I cannot change the dynamics of Mono County. It is what it is. Enjoy the area for what it has to offer. If this is not the type of law enforcement you are satisfied with, I encourage you to find what you are looking for. Life is too short to be unhappy. Stay safe, be positive and get proactive in your communities as effective police work encompasses a multitude of skills and abilities.’
Sheet: So, the dissatisfied guys just don’t feel like there’s enough action.
Scholl: Yes.
Sheet: Would you recommend to them an evening at Rusty’s?
Scholl: No.
Sheet: Explain this POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification you have.
Scholl: When you become a cop, every officer in the state has to have a basic certification. You receive that after basic academy and one full year on the job. Through education and training, you can receive higher-level certifications. I am one of 115 (as of last June) in the state who have achieved the highest level of POST certification in California.
I’m running on my experience and my record.
