Attention: Jefferson County Law Enforcement & Govt

[berube27]

yeah... that about says it all... im fed up. maybe we should all move away and leave only the riff-raff for the county to deal with. then the only people being robbed would be the county officials. do you think they would understand our problem then?

[xx(]

[Tim West]

Keep in mind the same government you want to protect you from crime is also the same government that totally botched Katrina efforts and is to this day allowing 10,000 illegal aliens, half of them non-mexican, streaming across out southern border.

Might also want to know that the Supreme Court has ruled that citizens have no constitutional right to police protection. Therefore, all your taxes that go to such efforts are in fact a donation to support something provided as a benefit as opposed to a right.

Having said this, the Police and Sheriff's Dept. in this county are woefully undermanned and underfunded.

Your letter is open testimony to the fact that government usually does not do much of what it is supposed to do on time and within budgeting .

[berube27]

considering lots of these crimes seem to be performed by kids during school hours, shouldn't the county be arresting the parents of these kids for not showing up at school?

[xx(]

[derricksonb]

That is an excellent thought provided that the little limp d!ck b@$t@rd$ (I'll explain that reference in a seperate discussion) are enrolled in school and haven't dropped out or already graduated. I wholly agree that LE should have the right to prosecute the parents for the actions of their children. I know that I personally am going to file a civil case against the children and their parents once LE makes the arrest(s) or files charges against the individual(s) who broke into my home in an attempt to recoup my losses in personal property, the changes that had to occur in my vacation itinerary and for mental suffering. I mean what the hell- If Ron Goldman can sue OJ for 34 mil after he was found not-guilty surely I can sue the parents after their kids are found guilty and sent to juvy or the Martinsburg Marriot.

Perhaps if we weren't forced to live in a society where parents are looked down upon for disciplining their children we wouldn't even be having this discussion right now, but unfortunately thanks to a bunch of whiny-@$$ bleeding heart liberals we are forced to have to live with the results of what I like to call Generation "T"." That's a T for Time out, which obviously isn't working. The kids have no sense of respect for authority or rules because for them there is no real repercussions except to have to go to their rooms for 15 minutes where they are surrounded by their Big screen TVs, cell phones, PS2 or XBOX, PCs, etc.......... WE NEED TO BEAT THESE LITTLE B@$T@RD$ EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE LIKE OUR PARENTS DID TO US!!!!!!!!! "Spare the rod spoil the child." Nevermind the rod, these brats need a 2x4 across their a$$e$, but since the penalties for child abuse seem to be much higher, maybe we should use the heavy lumber on the parents. Thats just a good old fashioned assault charge.



quote:Originally posted by berube27

considering lots of these crimes seem to be performed by kids during school hours, shouldn't the county be arresting the parents of these kids for not showing up at school?

[xx(]

[berube27]

while i am what you call a "whiny-@$$ bleeding heart liberal", i cant say i disagree with you. your comments remind me of what my next door neighbor said to me when i told them we were robbed. he said, "the ONLY way the cops will make an arrest or even respond, is if you beat your wife or kid." He aint lying.

do you think they would respond if i beat the kid that did it and then go beat his mother for not knowing where he is and what he is doing? oooooooooohhh thats right... I would go to jail, not them... damn... i was duped again.

[xx(]

[Pfeifcat]

I am very concerned with the crime in this area, too, as I have recently moved here. I totally agree with 99% of the comments made above, but please leave the "liberal vs. conservative" attacks out of this discussion. It accomplishes nothing except to piss-off the thin skinned liberal/conservatives, who unfortunately take offense to such comments as if it was an attack on them personally. I have my strong political views, too, but please keep this issue focused on what is vastly needed around here - better law enforcement!

I agree and am very concerned about the statement made about someone getting shot or killed during these events. I WILL PROTECT MY HOME if I cannot depend on the police to show a little (lot) more concern about the marauding punks around here. The punks don't seem too concerned that breaking into someone's house could cost them their life. Belive me, if someone breaks in while I'm home, I WILL consider that a threat to my life and do whatever I can to stop them, as I will have no idea what harm they could do to me. I hope that the crimes disappear and no one gets hurt, because I would hate to see someone get shot before law enforcement takes it seriously. I think that the civil lawsuites against the convicted individuals and their gardians is an unfortunate, but strong way to get a message across to the parents of punks who either don't know, or don't care what their offspring are getting in to.

[derricksonb]

Perhaps I should have left out the word liberal as I did not want this to go into a political debate or partisan finger pointing, but I think my point was made. I consider myself to be quite liberal as well and unfortunately Berube27s neighbor is correct. LE is not going to take action against a child who breaks into someone?s house or vandalizes an automobile but they will take action against the homeowner who tries to defend his property from said juveniles. Unfortunately, I think the point of my posting was misinterpreted. I am not suggesting that we literally beat up the kids or the parents, but we do need to let these people know that we are not going to stand for these types of incidents in our once peaceful community and that if they continue to occur we the citizens will hold them personally responsible for actions of their offspring. Regardless of social class (LCVA yupsters vs. stereotypical WVian- Nascar, Football, Skoal and Busch Beer) the power to discipline our children has been removed and given to the children themselves. They know that there is absolutely no consequence against their actions, which is why we should hold the parents responsible.

Like DW, I too am FED UP. I was FED UP two years ago when these kids were harrassing my grandparents. I was FED UP when I missed my flight because some punks broke into my house and stole my wallet and IDs. I was FED UP when I saw the fear in my wifes eyes when she realized it wasn't me that flicked on the lightswitch in the middle of the night. I was fed up when gas hit 3.199 and some little punk had the balls to ciphen the gas out of my vehicle. And I was completely FED UP when the credit card company called to tell me that someone had tried to use my credit card to make a purchase over the internet. However I was slightly amused at what they tried to buy which will explain my "little limp D!ck B@St@rd$" comment above.

http://www.viacynpenisenlargementpills.com/contact.htm

Judging by the amount they charged ($268.00) they ordered a 6 months supply........ Material that funny you can't make up folks. And before anyone asks this has been reported to Jefferson County Sheriffs Department- DET Bonifant- who has been understandably too busy to contact the company and investigate the shipping address due to the breakins at the High School. I also brought this to the attention of Deputy Holz.

[berube27]

ultimately no matter how different the politics of the people on this board are, i think it becomeing more than obvious that:

1. we all agree that there is a serious problem that is getting worse.
2. we all know the county is doing nothing about it.

[xx(]

[Pfeifcat]

Holy crap, derricksonb! Someone broke in when you and/or your wife was home? What happened? I mean did you get a chance to see/recognize the punk? Hopefully, you both were OK and only the "little limp D!ck B@St@rd$" was injured.

[betcsu]

derricksonb:

Fraud involving United States mail is a felony and punishable by a fine and imprisonment.

maybe you should go the federal route in this instance as opposed to the locals??? just a thought...

[derricksonb]

betcsu- I am not sure if those same laws apply to internet as they do to USPS, but I have contacted the WV Attorney Generals Office and filed a commplaint against Livewell Nutrition. Hopefully they will be able to get ahold of someone at the company and get the information. I have been unsuccessful in all of my attempts.

[OzGirl]

OK Everyone - we're all fed up! What can we do about it? How can we effect change? Any suggestions? We have no voice cause we have no organised representation, we have no citizens group and the big 'wammy' we are an unincorporated area which means we can be ignored....so any suggestions! Those of us who may be inclined to act as loud as we yell tend to have no bloody time to do anything about it as we are spending 2-4hrs a day commuting to make ends meet 'cause there aint no decent paying jobs in the county, the gas crissis, property taxes....blah, blah blah

SOOOOOOO we are all most likely to continue to winge and wine 'til the cows come home with the end result = nothing.

I am normally not a synical nor a negative person but I am just so damn frustrated & like most of you realistically dont have the time to seriously do anything about it that will actually have an impact on the situatuon. The sad truth is - if we want change we need to speak in the language that the local & state government will have to listen to....but I dont speak that language do any of you?....

We have to work the system, get a lot of publicity and put serious pressure on the government for change and it has to go all the way up the chain, they need to know we mean business...how do we do that...again I have questions and more questions but no answers - does anyone have any real potential avenues for change - I dont want to give up but...b*tching & whining just doesnt cut it.....

[berube27]

if everyone blitzkriegs the martinsburg journal, eventually they will have to start writing stories about what we speak of. politicians HATE bad press. email every reporter that you can find an email address of. thats my guess. anyone else have any?

[xx(]

[Doc Walters]

Might as well have our own sherrifs dept.

Now you ask, how do we pay them?

Not a problem, put a toll gate at the beginning of mission road and charge a quarter for entering and leaving!

Hell, 3000 cars a day comming and going plus visitors and workers, that's at least 750.00 per day. Should pay for a sheriff a deputy and a car!

Ok Ok.....I nominate WILLIS, that will cut the toll down a dime!

Doc (Willing to go as far as it takes) Walters

[derricksonb]

quote:Originally posted by Doc Walters

Not a problem, put a toll gate at the beginning of mission road and charge a quarter for entering and leaving!

DW- That's absolutely hilarious and a great suggestion. Maybe they can link it up to SMART TAG so we won't have to stop or look for change like on the Dulles Greenway and toll road. We can barely keep a stop sign at the end of mission road due to the number of idiots that seem to run it over let alone a toll facility. It would probbly cost over $1500.00 per day in replacing the toll gates.

Realistically the only thing that will change the events happening on the mountain is change itself. Shannondale, Riverview, Keys Ferry, Blue Ridge Acres, West Ridge Hills and he rest of the communities on the mountain need to be incorporated. Collect taxes and have our own PD. Everytime this issue comes up and is placed on the ballot it gets voted down, then the citizens who vote against it start crying about police protection. Quit whinnng and vote. Vote to incorporate the mountain. Vote to elect a new sheriff who cares about our issues and concerns (I nominate Nat Hughes if for no other reason than to see a real blue light on his Town Car :-)). Vote to put representatives in Charleston who are more concerned with community than lining their pockets. If I am not mistaken the next elections will be in Nov 06.

[TommyBoy]

What you need to do is get a large Uhaul truck park it in the lot near the lake, put a sign on it that say free cigarettes, beer , porn, and male member enhancers. Inside you have a large bear trap, a bucket of scalding motor oil, a couple of ropes, and a car battery. When they step on the bear trap they are snared, then the hot oil will fall on them, then the feathers, then to make it exciting connect the battery to their nipples and see the feather stand up. Then send them on their way. We will then know who the little perverts are in the neighborhood.

[Parker]

Having recently been informed of the recent roberries, my son's first question was, "Now can we get a gun?!" It's sad that a child has to be put into that mind frame because they fear their own home may be violated.

With the numerous ideaas out ther, how do we come together collectively and confront the issues at hand?

Shooting some isn't any more productive than stealing things.

[nelliesvt]

I agree with with the idea of incorporating. No one else seems to want to claim responsibility for us and all that happens here on the mountain. I think it's time that we truly start thinking about this and put some effort into it.

[Coglehowell]

The problem is when you go ask the police they say they have no record of it and a reporter cant do a story with no record You would not believe the way some police try to get around and kind of stories but believe me when they where having a funraiser they call 100 times to make sure it will be printed

[berube27]

if the reporters get enough calls about crimes and dont have any police reports to match, eventually a reporter is going to see GOLD in the fact that he might have come across a story of falsifying records, fraud, and police corruption... if this gets big enough reporters will bite... i dont know about you guys, but its big enough for me.

[xx(]

[mitowv]

Considering that the Clubhouse Fire was an arson and when law enforcement at some of the town meetings that were held afterward mentioned that more than likely, given the evidence, this was a juvinile crime - some parents even went so far as to post signs in front of the burned out ruins that said "Don't Blame the kids!" -------- Driving past that ruin each day, should be a reminder to us of the probable capability of some of these "kids" - arson, robbery, etc - and then the parents say... "there's nothing here for the kids to do...." Well, no there isn't much, but I grew up in a small town where there wasn't much to do, but I didn't go around robbing other people's homes or setting things on fire.

[Marie]

Why don't we get our own candidate from the Mountain elected. Certainly there are enough people concerned about our future up here that we could make an impact of the political election. If we don't win this time we keep trying. The only way our cries will be heard is to have someone that is crying with us who has a vote in the final decision process. Right now we are blowing a lot of hot air at each other, and time has proven that that is not a solution.
We would need to bust our B U T T S to run a campaign before Nov. 8. But,we could do it. Even if we do not win this time, the message would be out there that we are serious and are not going to sit quietly anymore. For the next election, we will have more time and be better organized. We will W I N that one and go on from there. I am sure all of you know more about the local postions and rules for running than I do. Please! Lets be very serious about this as time is of the essence. Liberal or conservitive should be the issue, saving the mountain and doing what is right for all of us needs to be our total focus. What do you say we throw in names and reasons for that candidate and take a vote. Perhaps the picnic would be a good campagne kick-off.

[Doc Walters]

Marie

Damn good idea but the picnic is 4 weeks away and the election is 7 weeks away......don't think wasting 4 weeks is a good idea.

Also, I do believe that the person(s) to be voted on should already be registered.

Would also like to say at this time, perhaps it SHOULD be in a different area but whilst at the council meeting they voted on to increase the money for people to work the voting booth on votind day.

This would mean a 3 hour class then about a 14 hour day later that week . total pay for both is $300.00 125 for training and 175 for working.

Doc (Don't wanna go there) Walters

[Steveo]

Derrick sounds like you grew up in my old neighborhood where parents beat their kids. None of us turned out to bad other then a couple of divorces. Tolls if anything some criminal element wouldn't pay to come in here LOL. I have just started reading this thread about the breakins, do the police really not even bother? Yes I too know Derrick that police don't protect the citizen but protect the public, big difference in that.

[mtn2004]

I think people should seriously consider voting for the area to become incorporated. Bottom line is that we need more police officers and for that we need $$$$. Charles Town officials seem to be more interested in making downtown "pretty" then in dealing with crime.

If MS13 is in the area then NOW is the time for police presence. Waiting for them to get a strong hold is going to make it next to impossible to deal with later.

[nelliesvt]

It's not a Charles Town issue, it's a county issue - we are Harpers Ferry if you want to put it at the city level.

[Willis]

We need a course on local government and how it's organized- I'm not a civics professor-cripes, they probably don't teach civics anymore. But in a nutshell- we've got incorporated areas in the County(known as cities and towns), 5 to be exact: Shepherdstown, Ranson, Chas. Town, Bolivar and Harpers Ferry. They each have their own government and governmental agencies. This includes police forces(Bolivar and HF share a Police Department). Those police have nothing to do with unincorporated areas(all of the County not within City limits-Hey, that's us on the Mountain!)).

The County is governed by 5 Commissioners whose actions directly affect YOUR daily lives. They provide monies to the Sheriff's law enforcement department to hire personnel. Although the Sheriff is elected by you and me(if we're not non-voting knuckleheads), he can't do squat without money from the commissioners. They are the "Boss Hoggs" of Jefferson County. Picketing the Charles Town or Harpers Ferry City Halls for things that happen on the Blue Ridge would likely be good exercise, but wouldn't accomplish a thing.

Now , if that isn't confusing enough, we'll add the State Police. They are accountable to NO one in the County but answer to the head of the Department of Public Safety in Charles[u]TON</u> 7 hours away by car(if you could afford the gas). The best way to get some leverage on those State Boys is thru your County Delegate(there are two districts on the Blue Ridge) and the Two State Senators in our area.

So, in a nutshell, you need to contact the County Commissioners to voice your displeasure(one Commissioner is a Board User, Jim Surkamp)with the actions/non-actions of the Sheriff. Issues with the State Police, who cover our area when deputies are not available(and who share information even less than the Sheriff's office), should be brought before the aforementioned State legislators. Names, addresses, and email contacts should be in the links category. If not, feel free to ask.

Now I don't mean to sound as though I'm "talking down" to anyone. It was confusing to me at first. It's important that we know to whom and where to lodge our complaints. Golly, Professor Willis concludes another civic lesson. Expect a Pop Quiz at any time!!!

[John]

Incorporating any part of the mountain will be certain to make matters much worse than they are and not better.

This is because so few of us are able to pay attention to the day to day workings of government. The people who will pay close attention are those with an immediate economic stake. That would be developers, builders, and private utility companies. The entire mountain would be paved over ala Ranson or Charles Town in no time flat.

What we can and should do is start paying more attention, attend meetings, be aware of the issues, and most importantly, we need to vote. The last election we had was the June 25 special election for the state pension bond. 2.6% of the people in precinct 17 (Blue Ridge Fire Hall) voted. Shannondale and Mission Road did much better, with a rocking 3.6% turnout at Blue Ridge Elementary.

This is why we are ignored. Politicians pay attention to constituents who vote.

The first step is to make certain as many of us as possible are registered to vote, and registered with the correct 911 address.

The next election is not until 2006, so there is time, but not much.

An important side issue is that the County Clerks office will be conducting a voter "purge" that will begin next month. This involves mailing a "no forwarding" letter to every registered voter in the county. Any mail that is returned as not having a correct address will be posted at the Court House as a "bad address" which will be made inactive if not corrected. People need to be certain that they are registered with the correct address.

[berube27]

should this thread now be moved to the Neighborhood Watch forum?

[xx(]

[Willis]

I suppose it sounds like a plan.

[phillip]

suggestion, figure out the approximate amount of your taxes that you spend on law enforcement or whatever 'public service,civil service agency' that you feel is not doing it's job as you pay it to and is quite clearly laid down in their intruction manuals you and our forefathers have provided- and put the money in an escro account specifically set up for this reason, deduct this amount from your taxes you currently pay and include an explaination and provide account number where money is and a note stating you will gladly relase said monies and the interest it collects once the agency provides that which the law requires. so often law enforcement officers and or agencies, forget they are not at all the law, they are those who have been entrusted to enforce the law. we as citizens, have a role to be the 'checks and balance'. We have an obligation, a duty, a job- else we do not have the America we so claim to.
quote:Originally posted by the citizens

An Open Letter to All Jefferson County Law Enforcement and Government

We are getting fed up.

We are paying our sales, property, business and vehicle taxes. We are gambling away our Virginia and Maryland earnings all over the county. We are voting for bonds. All of these money raking items (and many others) are trucking great amounts of cash into the county coffers.

I repeat... We are getting fed up.

Our trash doesn't get picked up even though we pay for the service. I can deal with that. Our school system is horrible even though we have the Charles Town "Cash Cow" racetrack to fund the schools. I can deal with that. Our roads are a mess, though we all pay our car taxes (in another county for gods sake!). I can deal with that. Our water is terrible even though we pay thru the nose for the hookup. I can deal with that. Our animal control problem is on the ragged edge of down right lethal. I can deal with that. The citizens of this county are used to paying and getting nothing. In the short time I have lived here, I have learned to cope with all of this.

Yes, here it comes again... We are getting fed up.

Something is happening everywhere around here that I (and many others) CANNOT cope with. Our police support simply does not exist. When citizens in a very small area of the county from a very small internet forum (www.shannondale.org) report twenty plus incedents to the police in less than a two month span and a police representitive says that he can only find ONE of those incedents on record, there is something wrong. Very, very, VERY wrong...

When a cop comes to my house to take a police report about my home being broken into and tells me, "Okay, this family down the street and this family that lives around the corner are probably the ones' who did this." and then doesn't take a single step to test his theory, there is a serious problem. When he doesn't even bother to discuss, let alone complete, fingerprinting, there is a serious problem. By the way... Were all of your aware that juvenile fingerprints are not allowed to be seen by our local law enforcement? My reporting officer told me that even if we knew who's "under 18" fingerprints they were we aren't allowed to use them to catch the offender. C'mon, thats simply a retarded statement... Aaaanyway, where was I... Oh yeah. When he rolls his eyes because nothing with a serial number was stolen, there is a serious problem. When he says, "This was definately done by kids, but im sorry... We don't arrest kids." there is a serious problem. When an officer tells me all the areas where heroin is a problem yet i have NEVER seen a cop in any of them, there is a serious problem. When I call the police to come to my house because we were broken into and they tell me its going to be a few hours before someone comes out, THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM! No one asked, "Are there any injuries? Might the perps still be in the house? Is this an emergency? Are you okay?!?!?!" In reality, they didn't have time for us. Serious, serious problems folks...

Naw, we aren't getting fed up... We are officially fed up. Please write, "THEY ARE FED UP" down on your little notepad and file it with all your magical, disappearing police reports.

Does anyone know how much it costs to live in VA or MD? Yeah... A lot. Do any of you know where the "poor" people and criminals in the metro area go to live? Suuuure we do... PG county Maryland and DC! Thats right guys. But guess what. You forgot Jefferson County. There is a crimewave out here now to to rival those of PG and DC. Guess what folks. DC and PG have hundreds of cops and detectives working 24 hours a day. Oooooh no. This is gonna be bad... We have what... Maybe six cops at any given time? Wow. We are in trouble.

I have spoken to many residents about this and they are all starting to say the same thing. "Someone is going to catch them and shoot them." Yeah everyone. Your kid or your kids friends are going to get shot and killed for stealing video games and piggy banks out of houses. Children are going to end up dead because we have no police willing to find and arrest them or even talk to their parents and have a government that won't hire a police force. It IS going to happen. Its only a matter of time.

This county needs to wake up. You are now no longer a sleepy, country-bumpkin, blue-collar, secluded little hide-away with a total population of 623. This is the big time. You got everything you wanted and everything you didn't want too.

"HEY! Yeah you, Jefferson County government and law enforcement! Put on your big-girl panties, and get the job done!"

Everyone repeat after me... "We are fed up!"