Two Decatur police officers lost their jobs in October after taking $7 from a department patrol car. Officer Joshua Speed found the money under the driver’s seat while searching for a lost microphone. He kept $5 and gave the remaining $2 to Lt. Eric Jackson. Both officers were in good standing in the 47-person department and Jackson was previously the department’s Officer of the Year.
According to the official report, about six to eight hours after receiving a text from a third officer urging him to report the money, Jackson added $5 to his amount, tacked it on the department bulletin board and sent an email announcing the found money.
Ultimately, though taking action before any superior officer contacted him, Jackson resigned. According to the report “his corrective action was not taken within the time limit or within the procedures for found property … established by the department.”
Meantime Speed was fired. He was off the day following the incident and hadn’t attempted to return his portion prior to being contacted by a superior.
As City Manager Peggy Merriss pointed out in her official statement, Mike Booker, Decatur’s police chief since 1996, has publically stated many times “that those who ‘lie, cheat or steal’ will not be tolerated.”
While not wanting to comment specifically on this case Ken Vance, Executive Director of the state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, calls these type situations a “moral turpitude violation.” He said he’s seen officers revoked for less than $7 simply because they aren’t truthful.
In the end Merriss overturned the terminations of both officers. While theoretically agreeing with Booker’s “lie, cheat or steal” ethic, she overruled both his recommendation and that of an independent hearing officer who’d reviewed the case.
Nearly a month after losing their jobs Speed and Jackson were put back work though both incurred penalties including a one-year probation, demotion and reduction in pay.
“Without question this involved very serious performance issues,” Merriss told the AJC. “But I felt a big part of my decision was taking into account [Speed and Jackson’s] contributions and their overall record. For me [reinstatement] was best for the city of Decatur as an organization and for the community.”
Do you agree with Merriss’ rationale, or even think it proper a city manager overrule her department head? Or, given the amount of money involved, should the terminations never have happened at all?
Send comments to communtynews@ajc.com. Responses may be published next week.
LAST WEEK: WHAT SHOULD PRIORITIES BE FOR GWINNETT’S SENIOR SPLOST?
According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, between 1990 and 2000, the 65 and older population in the Atlanta area increased by 30 percent. In six out of 10 counties, growth in the older adult population exceeded growth in the general population. In fact, three of the region’s 10 counties, Gwinnett, Henry and Fayette counties, have among the 20 fastest growing older adult populations in the nation. The share of the region’s population that is over age 60 is expected to double, from 10 percent in 2000 to 20 percent in 2030.
Faced with perhaps the largest growing number of seniors, Gwinnett has allocated a portion of the recently approved one percent Special Local Option Sales Tax to fund senior services. Over the next six years, SPLOST is expected to raise about $950 million, with $11.2 million allocated to senior services. SPLOST funds are restricted to capital improvement projects like new roads, sidewalks and buildings, equipment, and vehicles. We asked readers how the county should spend those dollars for seniors.
Here’s what some readers had to say:
Transportation to and from the senior events at Bunten Road. Many seniors don't even know about the events and are not on the internet. — Linda Selman
Since nutrition and exercise play such a valuable role in managing disease, the county should consider hiring a nutritionist specializing in the aging. Combine this with more facilities in every corner of the county with kitchen classrooms to teach seniors about ways their diet and exercise can improve arthritis, diabetes and other age-related health challenges. I'd also suggest classes in how to deal with Medicare and estate planning. — J. Cooper
What about an across the board discount on any prescription? Seniors often have to make tough choices about paying another bill or medicine. Perhaps provide a discount for utilities. — Tracey Martin
Health care, food and time with them. Love our Seniors — Irene Webb
Gwinnett needs indoor pickleball/badminton courts. Pickleball is wildly popular with seniors, but courts are almost nonexistent in Gwinnett. Badminton is also much fun for seniors, especially doubles. These two games use the same-size court, with one extra stripe in rear for badminton backcourt. — Donna Gawlas
How about reducing property taxes for seniors? — Ken Guffin
They need transportation. They need decent vehicles to the senior centers that take into account these are seniors and they aren't as flexible as a kid. Also if there is food left over at the senior center let them take it home; some may not have enough to eat at home. — Lisa Mantheiy
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