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But when you have individual police officers that have more <br /> political power to get things done outside the department <br /> than the chief ofpolice does , and can circumvent the chief <br /> and what he needs and his programs to get what they want, <br /> you have a serious situation there. And I would think a <br /> provision like this would put a stop to that (inaudible) . <br /> And I talked to a lot of the officers before I came <br /> down here. I think they all agree almost wholeheartedly that this <br /> is something that is sorely needed now. I think we can <br /> grow out of that small-town mentality and it ' s time we <br /> looked at each other and it ' s time putting in rules and <br /> provisions that will guard against further abuses . <br /> GREENWELL: You come into this (inaudible) a great <br /> deal more (inaudible) in the::department (inaudible) . <br /> VIERRA: I think so. <br /> LUM: Chief? <br /> VIERRA: Yes . <br /> LUM: Chief Vierra, along the same line, do you <br /> think that ' s possible instead of the departmental policy . <br /> within the department that there is (inaudible) such <br /> activity? <br /> VIERRA: You can, but the extent to which we can <br /> enforce it is questionable. If there are other provisions in <br /> the County that allow it or are mute on it, this is the <br /> reason why they put. it in the Charter , just to provide that <br /> clout. ._' <br /> We have a general order that breaks right down and <br /> so we .,can_ do almost anything. I 'm really surprised at <br /> that. <br /> BETHEA: Say that again please. <br /> VIERRA: We have a set of what we call general orders <br /> that essentially control, manage and govern every police <br /> officer and what he can do in any particular area from a <br /> pursuit driving to issuing a traffic violation, almost <br /> all aspects of police work . And under the section of <br /> political activity, it allows them to. . . to sell the fund- <br /> raising tickets provided they don ' t do it in the County <br /> building. And it allows them to cook for fundraisers ; , it <br /> allows them to hold signs . I just don' t think that ' s . . . <br /> GREENWELL: Well, neither do the rules have an <br /> affect at all if it' s in the Charter . <br /> VIERRA: Exactly. <br /> 205 <br />