LEO agencies around the country are experiencing the same issue. Officers/deputies quitting and/or retiring, and new hires not joining at replacement rates. Maintaining public confidence is a prime directive.
You have to look at both sides of the issue. Why would a local agency agree to take on additional responsibilities with a fixed budget? Is there enough jail space? Do they have vehicles for mass transport? Officers to reallocate? Compromises would have to be made. Politically, if an agency wanted to force politicians to (in this case) do what they're supposed to do in the first place, they would say just as this sheriff did in the public statement.
LEO agencies around the country are experiencing the same issue. Officers/deputies quitting and/or retiring, and new hires not joining at replacement rates. Maintaining public confidence is a prime directive.
You have to look at both sides of the issue. Why would a local agency agree to take on additional responsibilities with a fixed budget? Is there enough jail space? Do they have vehicles for mass transport? Officers to reallocate? Compromises would have to be made. Politically, if an agency wanted to force politicians to (in this case) do what they're supposed to do in the first place, they would say just as this sheriff did in the public statement.