St. Joseph County officers worry about department's future Save Email Print
Posted: 7:06 PM Nov 8, 2007
 Last Updated: 7:06 PM Nov 8, 2007
 Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com
64 comments
A | A | A

St. Joseph County Police are warning the County Commissioners that their budget can't take any more hits.

They say more cuts down the road would jeopardize their safety, and the safety of people living in the county.

That's according to FOP members who met with commissioners today.

Their talks were supposed to be about wages, but with cuts across the board in all county departments discussion focused more on changes to health insurance, and the outlook for the department in years to come.

About a quarter of all county employees, including the police department will be affected by a health insurance change. According to commissioners it will save the county about $700,000 dollars this year.

That change will drop employee spouses from the plan, forcing them to ultimately pay more for health insurance. They won't be receiving any help to offset those costs; for the second year in a row, officers will not receive a raise from the county.

FOP members say and some commissioners worry that saving a buck now might hurt the police department in the long run.

"We're the laughing stock of hirers. Nobody wants to be a police officer in St. Joseph County. It's embarrassing," FOP President, Dean Chandler, says.

"If we can't pay somewhat near the market for patrol officers were going to have trouble attracting new officers. Why would you want to work for St. Joe County when you can get a job that pays greater or has greater benefits?" County Commissioner Mark Dobson worries about the department’s future.
More Stories
Plymouth man says hospital records were found in open dumpster

Will Sysco build in Starke County?

South Bend man to serve 30 years for robbing, beating elderly woman

It's Official: Diggins to Notre Dame

 Two men arrested for attempted robbery

St. Joseph still hoping to own iconic lighthouse

New U.S. 31 project continues to move ahead, despite economic concerns

Poverty Here at Home: Part 2
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 12, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Hey,I work for the highway department- and Im amred witha shovel, and a reflective vest!! WATCH OUT!
Posted by: bill Location: st joe co on Nov 16, 2007 at 08:18 AM
the police get paid enough already and have better pay packages than most people just because you wear a gun and have a badge YOUR NOT GOD better come back to EARTH!! WAKE UP!! most places dont cover insurance and have a retirement plan THEY DONT KNOW WHEN THEY HAVE A GOOD THING GOING [FIRE THE ONES COMPLAINING] ITS LIKE EVERY I WORKED THEY TELL YOU IF YOU DONT LIKE THE PAY THERES THE DOOR!! ALL YOU HEAR OF LATE IS THE COPS CRYING ALL THE TIME ABOUT SOMETHING SHUT UP!!
Posted by: K Location: SB on Nov 16, 2007 at 07:37 AM
To all you cop-haters out there....my sis is a cop and she puts her life on the line EVERY day for you jerks.....and she does it because she believes in the motto "to protect and to serve". She deserves a raise and good insurance. Next time you call 911...remember who is coming to save your sorry butt!
Posted by: larry Location: south bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Well good for you Mo money. You work at the E.R. and I commend you for that. But this article was about the County Police. If you want media coverage call a press conference or stand up for yourselves to the Hospital administration. You are right you probably do deserve a raise. But quick question..What is you salary compared to the Police?
Posted by: Mo money Location: Mich on Nov 15, 2007 at 07:26 AM
I work at a hospital. I want more money too. I fix the people who come here after the bad car wrecks, the gun shots, the stupidity of people. I don't have the best insurance or working conditions either. I work on people who might have one of a thousand incurable deases that could kill me and I don't have the benefit of being able to defend myself because it might take hours before we know it. However as an ER tech. I don't make the big bucks. But then we are not "heroes" because we don't have a badge and cary a gun, so why should we get paid accordingly? When your kid breaks an arm, or needs stitches, call a hero. By the way we are open 24 hrs every day also, including holidays. Our families also suffer because we have a job to do.
Posted by: Indiana Cop Location: South Bend on Nov 13, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Asfor you Kasey maybe you have such low self esteem that you don't think you deserve a raise but the police are out there protecting you behind and do deserve a raise. They are not trying to get rich they are just trying to earn a fair wage and to try to keep for continually being taken advantage of by the commissioners. You obviously don't have a clue about what police officers do and the sacrifices they make with their own families for morons like you. Yes they chose this profession, and they did it because they believe in it and the citizens (even you). You obviously don't have the courage or the dedication to even walk a day in the shoes of a cop. Go back to watching Harry Potter and come back when you grow up.
Posted by: indiana cop Location: south bend on Nov 13, 2007 at 08:37 PM
Hey Patrick maybe you should get informed before you speak. The money shortage in the county is not from the county police department it is because of decreased tax dollars coming back to St. Joseph County from the Govenor. It is also because the County Commissioners (past and present) have foolishly spent the money that they had in their control over the years. They have done things like waste 1.7 million dollars on leaf pickup, signed a 2.5 million dollars contract with the Madison Center for 25 years to evaluate and treat inmates and picked the wrong contractor on jobs such as the Logan St. bridge project where there were fines against the contractor for around $500,000.00 for being late. Those fines were forgone by the Commissioners who settled for around $35,000.00. If there is an audit to be done it should be the entire county so that we can find out where else they wasted money. The commissioners are trying to blame individual county divisions to get the heat of themselves.
Posted by: Kasey Location: South Bend on Nov 13, 2007 at 12:57 PM
The police and all other employees KNOW that the county and cities paid substandard wages. I have no pity, as they CHOOSE to do these jobs, and additionally, they seem to make up with it with their side jobs, also which I have no pity about. I work three jobs. I think the apathy about the police is due to the constant news about drunk cops and dirty cops in the community. There are too many of both, and too many with the 'napoleon' syndrome on the force anyway. If they gave the respect they expect, maybe they would get more support
Posted by: Astonished Location: Granger on Nov 12, 2007 at 11:49 PM
Posted by: Tootsie Location: South Bend Make St. Joseph County and South Bend all volunteer police departments. The ushers at Notre Dame are all volunteer and people are on a waiting list to get in. This would save the tax payers millions of dollars.... Is this serious, or a joke? Please, please tell me this is a joke. Having a volunteer police force for one of the larger cities in Indiana is nearly 100% impossible. It seems as if several people commenting on here have the intelligence of a 5th grader, take Betty for example: Posted by: Betty Location: South Bend Get a higher education and I'm sure they can find higher paying jobs. Take a look at most of the county cops. Do they look like they were held to any physical standards? Thousands of people in St. Joseph county are trained to carry a gun. The process of hiring a cop takes so long because simply because of the politics..It seems to me Betty needs to get a higher education as many, many police officers today have a 4 yr deg.
Posted by: Tammy Location: Elkhart on Nov 12, 2007 at 04:06 AM
Hire immigrants. They work for peanuts.
Posted by: Patrick Location: Indiana on Nov 11, 2007 at 03:15 AM
The cops need to do an audit of the St. Joseph County Police Department so they can pinpoint exactly where the tax dollars spent on them is actually getting spent. That is the only way they will be able to figure out where they need to cut back spending. Otherwise they will be in the same mess at this time next year. Who cares whether the hummer was purchased at a discount or donated to the police department. No one sees that stinken thing except for show and parades! Also, it eats too much gas and is high maintenance, it is time to auction it off to the highest bidder to purchase insurance for the cops.

Do not spam the boards with multiple identities. Thank you. -WNDU.com

Posted by: Lester Location: South on Nov 10, 2007 at 11:36 PM
This winter St. Joseph County could stop putting salt on the streets. Spend the money on the cops insurance!
Posted by: Lucky Location: South Bend on Nov 10, 2007 at 10:48 PM
I heard that the St. Joseph County Jail was built with a business plan to make money for St. Joseph County. Build the biggest jail possible and then sell space to other towns that are over booked. Whether the story is true or not it makes logical sense. The problem is the system is presently loosing money. When they do release prisioners their released onto the streets of South Bend. It seems that could be part of the reason crime is increasing in St. Joseph County. The problem is not going to get any better in the future.
Posted by: Cosmo Location: South Bend on Nov 10, 2007 at 10:03 PM
The County could sell the jail to a private security company for the highest bid, mininum bid set by the county. The county has proven it can not manage a jail its size. It has proven to work for the toll road. The state of Indiana is making about $500,000.00 a day just in interest for the sale of the Indiana toll road. The county jail is just like the old Indiana state run toll road, the fox is in charge of the chicken coup. The county needs to come up with a dollar amount it wants for it and unload it and its headaches to private folks that can manage people.
Posted by: How Sad Location: Indiana on Nov 10, 2007 at 10:00 PM
We have volunteer officers, once the newness wore off of being a gun totter, we never have anyone on duty half the time. SO next time one of you call the cops cause your kid is out of control and you need a ref. or the neighbor didn't breathe right and made you mad or played his music to loud. Or on Christmas day while you are enjoying your day, think of the people who are there to fix the problems you have while there family are at home. How sad, Next time you guys don't get the raise at work YOU think YOU needed remember this. The most danger you have is getting to the break room for lunch!!
Posted by: m4carbine Location: occupid america on Nov 10, 2007 at 09:31 PM
you know what. a lot of us never asked for this massive police force in the first place. a lot of us can protect ourselves. the police are there to protect the criminals from real americans that wouldnt put up with them.
Posted by: Indiana cop Location: south bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 08:50 PM
Don't get me wrong the crminology degrees are great to have. The education is great but there are alot of officers on the department that don't have degrees that are just as good if not better than the people with the degrees. Remember the universities are in the business of making money and what they teach is the same things you learn in the academy with a lot or prerequisits. Being a police officer is also a lot more than just being book smart. Don't forget about those officers that are previous military also. Understand there are those of us out there that believe in this PROFESSION and dedicate ourselves to the citizens. Yes we do sacrifice our own families on a regular basis (even for those of you who don't appreciate us). We never planned on getting rich in this job we just want to be able to give our families a decent life too. One question what is your life worth?
Posted by: indiana cop Location: south bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Well Betty and Lester again we hear from people who have no clue. For your information many of the St. Joseph County officers have 4 year degrees for schools far better than Evansville. You people are absolutely lost. If you get paid more you will make less? what is that. In case you haven't noticed taxes are continually going up and the money seems to disappear. Remember the wheel tax I don't know about you but the roads in my area are still crap. And anohter thing quit talking about the cops like they aren't taxpayers you idiots. They not only pay taxes they protect you ungratefull behinds. Hey here's an idea the next time you need help call an Evansville student I am sure they will have the answers you need, just not the actual experience. You see the thugs on the street are just little meaner and more ruthless than the dorm assistant. By the way after the students have paid all the money for their education why would they want to got to one of the lowest paid departments.
Posted by: LMagee Location: South bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 06:58 PM
I cant believe they did this to the police, and now allot of the spouses will not be able to even get (open enrollment) insurance. Not to mention the fact that, if a spouse has a pre-existing condition, normally it isnt covered by the new insurance. I cant believe the county has done this to the police!! This county is a disgrace, the commissioners should be ashamed to say that they "run" this dump!@!!
Posted by: Lucy Location: South bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 06:51 PM
POLICE OFFICERS, CORRECTION OFFICERS, AND TEACHERS SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE PAY SCALE. AND THEN EVERYONE ELSE CAN HAVE WHATS LEFT!!! AND SINCE CERTAIN "PEOPLE" SEEM TO BE BOTTOM FEEDERS, THEY SHOULD GET THE LEAST!!!
Posted by: cop Location: kosciusko on Nov 9, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Stick to your guns brothers, to all the people in northern Indiana, when one of us gets killed you will hold a flag and act like you care. Ask for a fair wage and insurance and we suddenly become the devil. So let me get this staight it is ok for us to die for your saftey, but we should not make a living off providing it. citizens that support the police you should be just a outraged by these comments.
Posted by: sjcp cop Location: south bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 03:24 PM
Hey chad it is called a consent to search and they have forms that explain your right to refuse the search. Evidently you got caught with something at sometime and are made at yourself. Maybe you should be a law abiding citizen. And as far as the service people go how dare you even bring them into this. Maybe when your a little older and have children of your own you will be concerned about them. But then again you sound pretty self centered and will probably even put yourself in your own kids.
Posted by: tammy Location: indiana on Nov 9, 2007 at 02:36 PM
Chad, maybe you have missed the point. This had to do with St Joe COUNTY police, not Elkhart. If you want to know the facts about whats really going on(it has nothing to do with searches) You have no idea what your talking about. This is about wages and insurance. Not illegal searches. Get a clue and keep to your own countys situations. Hooray for St Joe County police, stand up for yourselves and be PROUD!!!!!
Posted by: ms Location: Indiana on Nov 9, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Tim is absolutely correct. ALL police and firefighters should be paid adequately - they put their lives on the line and save lives. Jester - FYI - look at the county budget available on the internet - certain county employees do get raises even in the yeas no raises were to be issued - and the nepotism in unbelieveable anymore - where else can a high school kid make $12 an hour doing a job he/she knows nothing about - paper pushing - hmm - I know a lot of qualified people would love to get that kid of pay - no experience - just know the right people - and voila - good income. Save some of that money and give it to the men and women in blue!
Posted by: Fed Up Location: Mishawaka on Nov 9, 2007 at 01:09 PM
I am so fed up with people jumping off the deep end without thought. Maybe these cops had it so good for so long, when times get tough and they need to give back a little it is to much to ask. Look at the National Gurad people. Oh my poor son or huisband or daughter had to go to war. Well what were you thinking when you joined? Free money for nothing? Sooner or later we are all going to be broke tring to help the poor people. Keep raising my taxes and wonder why our homes are going into foreclosure. Keep asking for more. we have to make do with our wages. I can't set at my desk and raise taxes on a whim. I have to live within my budget, no matter what has to be cut. Cut police budgets, cut school budgetss, it's just scare tactic because you know we will pony up to your bull to protect us, and the kids will still be able to go to school.
Posted by: sjcp cop Location: south bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Hey Robert just so you know the hummer was donated for a year and then purchased at a substantially reduced amount. AM General actually repainted it for free a couple of years ago also. This company obviously appreciates the police and wanted to show it. I am quite sure if one of the other departments you mentioned wanted a hummer the company would work with them also. You seem like one of those pot stirring cry babies that if someone else gets something new you think you should get one too. Go back to playing your play station and when you grow up and come back when you have something productive to say.
Posted by: chad Location: elkhart on Nov 9, 2007 at 12:33 PM
it seems that cops get offended if you don't constantly tell them how heroic they are. well boo hoo. take a look at how the cops stayed outside columbine for 3 hours while a teacher bled to death in plain site, and then tell me how heroic they are. every day in indiana cops are intimidating poor folks into letting them search their homes and cars without warrants. don't say they aren't, because they are. how many times in the last year have i read in the paper about people "allowing" the cops to search their homes with no warrant? and they want a raise? they deserve nothing.
Posted by: Larry Location: South Bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Betty..You do not have a clue. Most cops nowadays have 4 year college degrees. Most depts require it. As for the application process, "politics" (LOL). Why don't you apply and find out for yourself, or better yet, just call a dept. and ask for the requirements and testing to become a cop. Inform yourself before you type the non-sense you just did.
Posted by: Tim Location: Indiana on Nov 9, 2007 at 12:11 PM
I SUPPORT THE POLICE IN ST JOSEPH COUNTY. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD. PAT ON THE BACK FOR JOBS WELL DONE. WHO DO COUNTY RESIDENTS CALL WHEN IN TROUBLE OR NEED ASSISTANCE, THE ST JOE COUNTY POLICE. ALL YOU PEOPLE BAD MOUTHING, IF YOU LIVE IN THE COUNTY THINK TWICE BEFORE DIALING 911. YOU SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. THINK ABOUT THAT WHEN YOUR HAVING TURKEY DINNER WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY, THINK OF THAT WHEN YOUR OPENING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. THESE MEN AND WOMEN WILL BE ON THE COUNTY ROADS MAKING SURE YOUR FAMILY IS SAFE AND ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS.
Posted by: jester Location: south bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 11:38 AM
This should be a wake up call to ALL residents of St. Joe County. To the SJCP I feel your frustration. I have worked for the county for over 20 years. This business with the insurance is for the birds. I haven't had a raise in 4 years, either! All we hear is how "broke" the county is, but we keep renovating the old jail and buy new offices equiptment for the new offices. The county should be run like a business but its the same old "old boy" network. When you can't run for office (aka Cindy Bodle for example) you just get appointed to where someone is retiring. Has it ever occured to anyone that the reason the county is "allegedly" in such bad shape is because the same clowns are still running the show!
Posted by: Jackie Location: Mishawaka on Nov 9, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Regarding the insurance program... many many companys are going to the carve out program ... I had to get married to get insurance thats just sad... and illigal aliens can get free services... its the entire healthcare system in our country.. we shouldnt have to bicker over care ... The system is broke and the pharmeceutical companys are making bank. Our politicians like their endorsements and dont wanna lose their funding ... its a vicious circle
Posted by: Margaret Location: Indiana on Nov 9, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Lets look at the big picture...these Police officers need a pay raise, and the whole insurance program there doing is Crap. Im sure if you people out there worked at a job and didnt receive a pay raise you would be upset too. How about not being involved if the company you worked at decided to change there insurance without consulting you first. Im sure you people out there wouldnt like it either. These police officers are acting like any normal humna being, they dont feel like just "because there cops they should get special treatment." It has to do with the good job they do at the little money they make. It has to do with the insurance of there familys at the little time in which they were notified would change. I suppose when the time comes....VOTE A WHOLE NEW SET OF...BYE BYE STEVE ROSS(hopefully your wife now insures you seeing she works at Memorial Hospital)
Posted by: Robert Location: Granger on Nov 9, 2007 at 10:34 AM
So it seems we have conflicting reports on where the Hummer came from. Cop in SB said it was PURCHASED in 96, Karen in Clay township said it was given by AM General plant 10m years ago. I am sure no one really knows. Yes I know it snows here. Question - Do the SB, Mishawaka, and Indiana State police have a HUMMER? If not why didn't AM General give them one too? Does it not snow in SB and Mishawaka? I guess that 1 Hummer can save everyone if we have a big snowstorm. Just curious.
Posted by: Paul Location: North Liberty on Nov 9, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Raises? The cops don't need raises...they have figured out many ways to make some extra cash......
Posted by: St. Joseph County officer Location: south bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 09:25 AM
I think all the police officers in St. Joseph County should quit. No more fighting over who should get paid what. Then who will you call when you have your petty disputes over who said what and when. This county is full of drama and the first person you call is a St. Joseph County officer. We put our lives on the line every single day just to put up with your daily drama. We've had physical altercations, and we've had to give and receive bullets because people like you don't know how to control yourselves. And you want to say we don't deserve things like raises and benefits for our families? What is wrong with you? We go out of our way to put YOU first, and you could care less. It's being proven by reading these comments. We are only human, but we do this job because we have families to support, and many times they go without their mothers and fathers because we get called out to help YOUR families. And look at the type of appreciation we get. Thanks for your 'support'.
Posted by: Jim Location: Granger on Nov 9, 2007 at 08:51 AM
It is my understanding that the commisoner and the county council signed a 25 YEAR CONTRACT with Madison center for $75,000,000 to evaluate inmates at the jail. What the Hell? As a tax paying resident of the county I would like to know why you would give a penny let alone 75 million to a tax exempt no for profit to do ajob you could hire a few doctors to do at probably 200K a year. If everyone wants to know where all the money in the county went, I suggest you take a drive along Niles ave by the river and all your questions will be answered. Bob Kovatch and Steve Ross are a joke and should be treated as such VOTE THEM OUT when their time comes.
Posted by: Roger Location: Granger on Nov 9, 2007 at 07:12 AM
what is wrong with you people? These guys are trying to get the commissioners to understand that the cuts affect you the citizens. They are trying to protect you and themselves at the same time. Being a police officer is a dangerous job and these guys and gals make a lot of sacrafices for all of us. We all need to be grateful for what it is they do and support them. We should be flooding the commissioners office with phone calls in support of the county police and ourselves. Hey Jason obviously you have never committed yourself to anything. Police officers don't run when the going gets tough. You must be one of those millenium babies that bounces from job to job and has no loyalty to anyone. Chad I have a feeling you mentioned the tazers because you have probably been tazed and I am sure you deserved it. You seem like a guy that runs his mouth about things he knows nothing about.
Posted by: What Do We Have Here on Nov 9, 2007 at 06:28 AM
I Think God Is Trying Tell Us All Something I Think The Whole World Is Stressed Out And Some Of The Police Officers Take It Out On The Streets By Picking With Certain People they Just Don't Like Personal But There Is Some Bad Apples Just Like Its Some Good Ones
Posted by: Betty Location: South Bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 04:31 AM
Get a higher education and I'm sure they can find higher paying jobs. Take a look at most of the county cops. Do they look like they were held to any physical standards? Thousands of people in St. Joseph county are trained to carry a gun. The process of hiring a cop takes so long because simply because of the politics.
Posted by: Tony Location: South Bend on Nov 9, 2007 at 04:09 AM
In the private sector people go to school to find jobs that pay better when they believe they are under paid! Why should the tax payers keep paying more for higher crime rates in St. Joseph County? Volunteer fire departments work, do the same with the county police department. Why should the tax payers pay more for higher crime rates?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2007 at 03:05 AM
Hey robert from granger, the Police Hummer was Donated. Since Mishawaka is in St. Joseph County. You know where Hummers are built. Think before you post!!!