Reference: Law Enforcement Operational Strategies and Techniques
Recently the implementation of Flock Safety License Plate Readers (LPR) has drawn significant attention in our community. Some of the information presented to the public from various sources has been inaccurate or misleading. I would like to take the opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings.
Law enforcement services are performed throughout our communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Operational strategies and techniques are managed and supervised by the Sheriffs and Chiefs of those agencies. It is the duty and responsibility of the Sheriffs and Chiefs to make decisions regarding operational strategies, techniques, and tools that are needed to best serve their communities.
The Flock Safety (LPR) has drawn attention in Jackson County. The strategy to use LPR camera technology is not new and has been serving many communities for several years. Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) is another version of the same technology that is also used daily in law enforcement operations across the nation. LPR and ALPR technology is a standard investigative tool for successful law enforcement operations.
Having the Flock Safety LPR technology in Jackson County and access to the nationwide database is a great resource for all law enforcement partners, and it has already shown success. The Sheriff’s Office has received numerous alerts that have been forwarded to our Communications Center and then subsequently sent out to all of the patrol units in the agencies that serve our communities. This is not just a Sheriff’s Office tool. It is not only beneficial to our deputies, but the information can be shared indirectly within the established requirements, with the Black River Falls Police Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other surrounding agencies.
In a recent successful utilization of the LPR technology, it helped law enforcement to locate and identify an involved vehicle in a hit and run crash investigation. In another, we were able to document information regarding an alleged stalking case. More commonly, we receive alerts on stolen vehicles that allow law enforcement to actively search our communities for the vehicle in question. There are many other examples that show the value of this investigative tool, but I am limited in the information I can give out to the public regarding law enforcement strategies and techniques, as it would render those techniques useless. Some have made comments about transparency concerns and public trust. Citizens have a right to know about law enforcement services and should ask for information or clarification if needed. There are limitations on transparency when it comes to balancing the public’s right to know with the public interest in effective law enforcement in their communities. This is a complex topic, and certain information is not able to be publicized or shared, to protect ongoing investigations and investigative effectiveness.
The funds used to place the equipment at the designated locations and have access to Flock Safety LPR technology came from the 2024 Sheriff Office budget. The cost per unit was $3,000.00, and six (6) LPR locations were set up. The 2024 annual budget is reviewed by the County Administrative Coordinator, Executive and Finance Committee and finally approved by the County Board of Supervisors. While the County Board approves the Sheriff’s budget, the Sheriff has significant authority and discretion on how those funds are utilized, particularly concerning their constitutional and statutory duties. All departmental expenditures are presented, reviewed and approved during Law Enforcement Committee monthly meetings.
While there might be debate on how the funds are used, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has recognized that a Sheriff chooses their own ways and means of performing their duties, without supervision or needing to account to other county officials for the performance of those duties. The County Board does not have supervisory authority or the right to micromanage the affairs of the Sheriff. Case law supports the authority of the Sheriff and limits the County Board’s ability to encroach on their duties. A county cannot limit the Sheriff’s discretion concerning the performance of their traditional law enforcement duties.
I have worked well with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors in my role as Sheriff for the last 18 years. For the most part, there has always been an understanding and respect for each other’s individual authority. Recently, the authority of the County Board has been misunderstood, and it should be clarified that there is a history of case law that supports the authority of the Sheriff using budgeted funds for law enforcement operations. The County Board’s purchasing policy does not align with the modern day cost of doing business, which is now much higher than it has been in the past. I have done my best for the taxpayers of Jackson County by operating within a zero percent operations increase every year, besides wages and benefits, while the cost of law enforcement operations has increased exponentially.
It is my goal to continue to have a good, professional working relationship with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. We have worked well for many years so there is no reason we cannot continue to do the same in the future.
Respectfully,
Duane M. Waldera
Jackson County Sheriff
No responses yet