Man, this cooler weather is wonderful and if we can just get some rain it would be perfect. Speaking of rain reminds me of the burn ban. We are currently not under a burn ban and lots of individuals are burning. We want to remind everyone that we need you to call the Sheriff's Office and give us basic information concerning the burn you are planning to do. This will prevent you having to feed a group of hungry firemen who will be responding to a fire call when it gets reported by the general public. Please take time to contact us and give us your information.

Well, we have been hard at it this week. The number of calls for service are holding about the same, but our arrests went through the roof this week. We saw a lot of arrests for alcohol violations over the weekend and we are looking for more. I made seven arrests from Saturday at around 11 a.m. until Sunday night around 9 p.m. and of these 5 were for alcohol related offenses. This does not count the other arrests throughout the week and those made by other officers. The number of alcohol related field arrests are somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 out of 10. That means that of every 10 arrests for things other than warrants, 8 of them will involve alcohol. Now there are some crimes that are alcohol specific like public intoxication and driving while intoxicated, but there are others that will involve alcohol or an illegal substance nearly every time. Crimes like domestic violence, assaults, murder, sexual assaults, child sexual assaults, disorderly conduct and more. It seems the criminal justice machine is fed by substance abuse. I often wonder what this job would be like if you took just the abuse of alcohol out of it and I think we would be night-watchmen.

There is something else on my mind this week as well. I want to discuss actual hands on arrests and the rights that you have versus the safety of the officer making the arrest. When we have an arrest warrant for an individual, it is not an option, we are required to make the arrest. Now, there are times when we can use discretion about arresting at that particular time and every officer does it. Like if a lady is about to have a baby and she has a warrant, then I am going to run the other way or if it's a medical emergency or something of that nature. Yet, if we choose to arrest there is no room for argument. When an officer tells you that your are under arrest and to put your hands behind your back or in front of you, then you have no choice. You must comply, even if you think the arrest is unlawful and/or a violation of your civil rights. Nothing gives you the right to resist, pull away or argue about it. Officers and offenders alike get hurt when an individual decides to take over or interject his or her ideas into the arrest. The smart and safe thing for all involved is to just "cuff up" (allow yourself to be handcuffed) and then ask questions. An officer can handcuff an individual for numerous reasons and it does not have to be an arrest, it usually involves officer safety. That subject will probably be released shortly with no problems, unless you decide that you are not going to be cuffed and then you have broken the law.

Please understand that this job is difficult enough because of those knuckle heads who always choose the hard way, what I am trying to prevent is those who are just upset and making bad choices at the scene. So just let the officer do his job and then let your lawyers handle the rest. Besides, some of us are getting too old to wrestle around on the ground.

I have also been approached about more scams going on in the county. The first rule is, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. The second rule is, if you have to spend money to get your prize, then it's not really a prize. We are seeing a lot of this, where the con calls and says you have won $160,000, but due to taxes they need you to send them just $375.00 cash and then you will get your money. Or, how about this one...I have inherited a large amount of money but it's out of the country and if you will pay the taxes or transfer fees, I will cut you in for a share of the money. These guys never give up and it is always a scam. Please feel free to contact the Sheriff's Office concerning these matters if you have any questions and we will do our best to help.

I would also like to remind you that October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and we need to all get involved in this. There are some events and meetings planned around San Saba. Domestic violence affect all of us in one way or another. The Dove Project will hold a candlelight vigil at Mill Pond Park on the evening of October 13th between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Please, if you can, come out and join us and be part of this event.

Once again, we want to thank you for all your calls and assistance. The Sheriff's Office can only be as successful as the public it works for makes it. Without each of you and your involvement in this office and its work, we would have little chance to make a difference.

Please contact us at 325-372-5551 or 325-372-5432 for assistance or in an emergency call 911 and thank you for your support and prayers.