Published: July 25, 2008 11:59 am      

County may expand police bureau

CUMBERLAND - The Allegany County commissioners on Thursday approved a recommendation made by acting County Administrator David Eberly to explore the possibility of expanding the County Bureau of Police.

The move is an extension of June 2007 county legislation that authorized the creation of a county police unit, headed by Department of Homeland Security Director Gary Moore. Depending on the recommendation of the report, it could mean the road patrol, currently under the control of Sheriff David Goad, is transferred to the bureau.

"Our intention at the time was not to move forward" in this direction, Commissioner Jim Stakem said. "But times change."

The response is subsequent to a back-and-forth between Goad and the commissioners over the county's amended take-home vehicle policy, which eliminates all out-of-county travel in take-home vehicles. The commissioners have said the policy change is to save money at a time when gasoline is nearly $4 per gallon.

Goad, however, said his policy, implemented June 11, is sufficient and addresses the commissioners' concerns. Goad's policy limits deputies' commutes to 25 miles or less, regardless of jurisdiction. That means officers living in nearby Ridgeley, W.Va., could still commute in their patrol cars while others in the outskirts of Allegany County or in Garrett County could not.

Reading from a prepared statement, Eberly told the commissioners that the take-home vehicle policy change "was neither arbitrary or capricious. Your actions were precipitated not only by the rising cost of fuel but the long-term implication of owning a fleet of motor vehicles."

"During tough economic times, local government, like private businesses and families, are forced to make difficult decisions and live with those decisions that they make," Eberly said.

Goad, who attended the meeting because he had heard the commissioners would stop payment on gas credit cards for patrol cars, objected to the commissioners' move.

"I have some issues with it," Goad said.

He said Eberly's statement included some hints of misappropriation of funds. Goad reinforced his position that the Bureau of Police is a "duplication of services."

Goad said he felt the public would have something to say about that. He didn't have to wait long.

Oldtown resident Georgene McLaughlin strongly disagreed with a possible change in ownership of law enforcement and protection within the county.

"I think that's a little outrageous," McLaughlin said. "What you're doing is expanding the powers of government."

She said she felt the county's voters should be able to decide the issue, perhaps on a referendum.

After the meeting, Goad said that Eberly's recommendation for the study, and the commissioners' approval, was "all about control of my office."

"It's always, 'You'll do it our way or the highway,'" Goad said, "and it's wrong."

Eberly said after the public meeting that a committee would be formed to study the issue. Should it be recommended to expand the Bureau of Police, the commissioners would be asked to reauthorize a portion of the Sheriff's Office budget.

In advance of such a report, Eberly said the county plans to begin advertising for certified police officers as soon as this weekend to gauge the level of interest in the positions. Sheriff's deputies would be eligible to apply, he said.

Moore declined to comment. He said he was unaware of Eberly's recommendation prior to the meeting.

Prior to Eberly's request, Jim Bestpitch of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1521 had asked the commissioners to reconsider the amendment to the countywide policy, arguing their "one-size-fits-all" approach to the take-home vehicle policy.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.