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Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024

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Letter: Support reserve deputies

By Kenneth Alexander, Camas
Published: June 23, 2021, 6:00am

I read with considerable dismay about the Clark County reserve deputy program being shut down due to police reform measures that made the program too expensive for the county to operate. Also cited as a reason for the shutdown is the increased personal liability law enforcement personnel assume in our present political and social climate.

Ironically, all 14 reserve deputies were volunteering willingly without a salary.

I spent 30 years in the Navy, over half of that as a reservist, and I often drilled without pay, so I readily relate to the plight of these 14 volunteers.

Our lawmakers must recognize that law enforcement is a highly challenging, extremely daunting, and often thankless form of service to one’s community. Although I strongly believe police reform is needed, I also believe it cannot happen when individuals like these reserve deputies are deterred from serving their community in this manner.

If lawmakers desire police reform, then the unintended consequences of expecting more from law enforcement personnel must be anticipated when significant changes are mandated in the name of reform.

I am writing to all of my state and federal lawmakers about this issue and encourage others to do the same.

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