Letter to the editor

I was present at the monthly Board of Supervisors meeting in Sardis Feb. 7.

During this meeting I witnessed some very disturbing behavior from Sheriff Otis Griffin. During the meeting Sheriff Griffin angrily accused the Board and other unnamed individuals of not supporting and undermining his efforts to enforce the law and provide for the public safety in Panola County.

At times it was hard to follow his concerns because he was rambling from subject to subject.

The sheriff told the reporter it was not anger but concern for his department that brought this lecture on.

I can tell you his lecture was loud, abrasive and angry.

The citizens of Panola County deserve a sheriff who is poised and confident under pressure since his duties require him to protect lives and property in this county.

Not everyone is going to see things your way all the time. Nor should they have to.

I would like to address concern brought forth Monday with pay and staffing at the Sheriff’s Department.

Our deputies and jail staff have a thankless job and most are underpaid. My question is, “Why wasn’t  this problem addressed in the 2010-11 budget submitted to the board in September this past year?”

I was there when the department’s budget was approved and I did not hear anyone voice concerns over increases for jail employees. I also did not see any proposal presented for staffing and expenses concerning incoming federal inmates.

I think it is unfair for anyone to blame the Board of Supervisors and other officials for poor planning of the sheriff’s department.

During the lecture it was mentioned that four jailers have been attacked and beaten recently, some to the point of being unable to work.

Have charges been been brought against these inmates or are we just going to tell them not to do it again? From personal experience, I can say there will be counseling sessions. Jailers are put at risk by not maintaining control and discipline in the jail.

The claim of not having the backing to do the job makes me wonder if jail employees have the backing of the sheriff. Often  inmates’ sides are taken against jailers who are put at great risk.

The sheriff’s job is to incarcerate, not rehabilitate, treating all inmates with dignity and providing them with a safe environment, but not at the expense of safety of the jailers.

I find it offensive that a sheriff would come before the board using threats and intimidation to get their way.

The Board of Supervisors and citizens of Panola County deserve an apology.

Gary Ramsey

(Former part-time deputy/jailer)