Wreck Signals Bigger Problems

I read your June 29 editorial on the Benton County sheriff deputy’s wreck. I have to agree with you: Someone is asleep at the wheel at the sheriff’s office.

There is a policy on when and where to drive county units, unless Sheriff (Kelley) Cradduck threw it out like he has about everything former Sheriff (Keith) Ferguson had implemented.

Anytime a deputy wanted a second job, it first had to be brought to his supervisor, then the supervisor would take it to the sheriff for approval if it didn’t interfere with his job at the sheriff’s office. County cars would not be used to go to and from private jobs. If the deputy was requested by a law enforcement agency for assistance out of county, he could drive the county unit if it was for law enforcement work only. An example was helping the University of Arkansas Police at the football games. Again, all this being approved by the sheriff.

Under Ferguson, Wakarusa was never requested nor would he have approved a private job 70 miles away using a county unit.

Maj. (Rob) Holly’s excuse of “communication error” is not acceptable. Why ? Because all deputies are issued a Policy and Procedure Manuel when hired. They have to sign a form stating they have read and understand the polices after having time to read them.

To have more than this one deputy going to Wakarusa to work two years in a row before it is caught is also unacceptable to me as a taxpayer.

This is not the only problem Sheriff Cradduck’s administration has had. Overspending in the budget on uniforms and overtime have also been a large problem.

Who is running the sheriff’s office?

Gene Drake

Siloam Springs

Caddie Says ‘Thanks’

I just wanted to say thank to everyone who makes the Walmart NW Arkansas golf tournament such a special week.

From a caddie point of view, I can tell you we are really taken care of from transportation down to the meals provided. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful and we really appreciate it.

I look forward to returning next year.

Braden Smyth

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Caddie for Kelly Tan

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