Of Politicians, Lawyers, and the "Folks"

Recently a lot of media print has been devoted to what some local politicians have opined and certain local attorneys have proffered regarding the DUI arrest of a local state senator. I was truly amazed with the audacity and haste with which these politicians, quickly joined by these lawyers would seek to publicly besmirch the veracious and professional conduct of our brave and dedicated deputies. There were, as you may recall, assertions and accusations that the arrest was "politically motivated" and that somehow "probable cause" was set aside as if that were something our deputies could just purposely turn off like a light switch. It is sad to say but a "tarnished badge" will surface from time to time in any police agency and these are dealt with by due process, as we have done, either administratively or criminally as appropriate. However, the recent reckless and unfounded utterances by members of the legislature settles nothing and could have a profound and demoralizing effect upon many of our men and women in uniform and this is wrong! However, "the folks" are not fooled by such miscreancy.

Sometimes we use the term "honorable" when referring to public officials and I would like to use that term in referring to the "honorable" men and women of the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office. These outstanding men and women perform countless acts of honorable service and do in fact answer over 5000 calls for service each month, all in an increasingly violent environment. Their strong character and sense of duty has produced the highest conviction rate in the state, an almost unprecedented 100% homicide clearance rate for the past several years, one of the lowest total crime rates for our size agency in the state, and one of the most phenomenal cold case successes anywhere, just witness the recently solved 20 year old Summerville Rapist case. Having 100% of our deputy positions filled also sets us apart from most and speaks to the very high morale in our ranks. In short not just anyone can be a Dorchester County Sheriff's Office team member. I believe "the folks" really do know what's up with all this.

When I was just a little younger I flew 507 combat missions with the Seawolves in the defense of our way of life. Some 46 of my brother wolves were killed in action and their names are enshrined on a monument at Patriot's Point. Occasionally I can see their faces and remember their youthful vigor. Accordingly, I have no fear of and little regard for all this political posturing and insufferable railing. However, duty and conscience requires that it be challenged when it seeks to impugn the integrity of these who often offer their lives or personal safety in the service of others, mostly citizens they have never met. This letter is written for them! My faith is ultimately in "the folks" and the God who has so richly blessed this grand Republic! It is those faceless good citizens, who I have always sought to serve, and who go to their precincts to vote and who sit on juries to decide cases that I will continue to have the utmost confidence in. In these folks and in this process I trust and do not fear, because "the folks" really do know and can sort things out! So long as we abide by the rule of law and not personal position all will be well.

Regardless of what jurisdiction you live in why not write your Sheriff or Police Chief and thank them for what they and their fine men and women do for you by their selfless and often sacrificial service. Trust me it will be much appreciated!

John R. "Barney" Barnes, Chief of Staff, DCSO