by David Leonhardi
Welcome to summer, everyone! Yes, we are still in a pandemic, it’s as clear as mud. Covid-19 is definitely a polarizing issue with a wide array of opinions about the danger of the virus and the appropriate responses to that danger. Regardless of our personal opinions, deputies are affected by the impacts and decisions that have been made as a result of Covid-19. Just like every other member of the public, we’ve had to alter our personal habits and find new ways to enjoy our leisure time. Those changes happened quickly, and are hopefully getting back to normal in the near future. However, deputies will be feeling the impacts of Covid-19 long after we’ve returned to movie theatres, sporting events, and our favorite restaurants.
Some of the largest impacts of this pandemic will be felt over the next year, and maybe longer. As a result of the pandemic and a large reduction in funding coming into the department, Sheriff’s command staff became responsible for finding a way to cut over $40 million to balance next year’s budget. Department leaders met with the DSA to explain the situation and to discuss some of their plans to bring down costs. The first and most emphatic point in our discussion was that the department intends to cut money from the budget without having to lay off any employees. They made clear that a top priority was to ensure no one becomes unemployed because of the budget cuts. As a representative for all of our members, I was proud to hear the department prioritizing the individuals who work so hard to make San Diego County the safest urban county in the nation. I’m sure there is some temptation to take the easy route to saving money by downsizing the department. Last ones in, first ones out is an easy solution to a big budget problem, but it doesn’t take into account the personal toll on the people affected.
Instead, it’s likely we will all have to sacrifice a little to meet these goals. The budget cuts are unfortunate, but they’re also unavoidable. To quote one member of our department command staff, “We can’t save $40 million just by switching to cheaper paper in the copy machines.” In order to avoid laying people off, the department has to make significant adjustments to save money. Many of you have already started feeling the effects, or are perhaps hearing rumors about some possible changes, so I wanted to mention some of the likely possibilities.
Overtime is certainly going to be reduced wherever possible. In the jails, don’t expect to work your 2.5. On the LE side, staying late to finish reports will likely be clamped down on. When partners call in sick last minute, plan on working short instead of calling in that last-minute OT body.
Contract positions may be cut. If deputies are working in a position that is funded by an entity other than our County, they can expect that entity is probably having budgetary issues as a result of Covid-19 as well. Whether it’s a contract city, school district, or the state of California (as is the case with several court services positions) if those entities choose not to fund the position, the deputies will no longer be working in those positions. That’s certain to be another unfortunate yet unavoidable circumstance that will affect our members.
There is, however, some good news. As I mentioned, the department was tasked with cutting over $40 million to balance the budget. They came up with a plan which included the aforementioned examples and a few other changes, but they were still a long way from reducing the entire amount. Thankfully, our County Board of Supervisors agreed to give the department over $25 million from the county reserves to help balance the budget and avoid cuts to public safety. Many of those supervisors ran their campaigns on a platform of being strong public safety advocates, and they put their money where their mouth is to prioritize public safety.
Thank you to Chairman Greg Cox and Supervisors Jim Desmond, Dianne Jacob, Kristin Gaspar, and Nathan Fletcher. Our streets and residents are safer and our deputies are more secure because of decisions like this to help when it’s needed most.⭑