Former Charlotte PD Chief of Staff, Tarasovic, to be Richmond Police Chief

Ray Tarasovic, former Chief of Staff to Police Chief Rodney Monroe, has been named new Police Chief of Richmond, VA by Mayor Dwight Jones.  

Mayor Jones commented on the surprise replacement as Police Chief and public outcry that the Mayor should have conducted a public process:  “To assume that we have to have a meeting to find out what public opinion is is a misnomer (sic).”

Mayor Dwight Jones chose Tarasovic with no public input whatsoever.  Tarasovic admitted to conversations taking place over a month.  The Mayor’s office did not offer any other names under consideration.  Mayor Dwight Jones said he “had been speaking with faith leaders and felt that was good enough.”  See WRIC’s video of a press conference and the rest of their report.

Operating behind closed doors with autocratic decisions based in a small, “faith leader” cliques...  

He was the Assistant Chief to Chief Monroe in Richmond before Monroe came to Charlotte.  But you wouldn’t know that if you checked his “Linked In” page of job history:

Ray Tarasovic

Consultant

Location

Richmond, Virginia Area

Industry

Public Safety

Ray Tarasovic's Overview

Current

·        Retired at N/A

Past

·        Assistant Chief of Police at Richmond Police Department

Ray Tarasovic's Experience

Retired

N/A

May 2010 – Present (2 years 10 months)

Assistant Chief of Police

Richmond Police Department

2005 – 2008 (3 years)

Contact Ray for:

·        consulting offers

·        expertise requests

·        reference requests

·        getting back in touch

Whoops! 

What happened to “2008 – 2010, Chief of Staff to Police Chief Rodney Monroe, Charlotte, NC?”

Maybe he’s not as good at “getting back in touch” as the LinkedIn overview suggests.  Or is he really unhappy with his experience in Charlotte under Monroe?

Surely the citizens of Charlotte wish all the best to the citizens of Richmond moving forward with their new police leader, even if the announcement has been a complete shock to most of them. 

CMPD RELEASED 2012 CRIME STATISTICS

CHIEF MONROE’S STORY PROMOTING 24-HOUR SURVEILLANCE

During a 1/23/13 press conference, Charlotte’s Police Chief Rodney Monroe announced a 9.5% increase in violent crime for 2012, but according to WSOCTV, “Monroe hopes technology put in place for the DNC will help bring that number down this year.”

Monroe went on to say the new Command Center had already helped close a murder case this year when “On Jan. 7 officers in the Hickory Grove Division were investigating a homicide on Farm Pond Lane. When police arrived, they found Monte Gay shot, and he was taken to the hospital, where he died.  Witnesses pointed police to a man named Bret Samuels, who was on electronic monitoring, and records showed he had been in the area of the shooting at the time.  Within two hours, police had a suspect in custody.”

Here are a couple of problems with his rationale:  1) The Command Center has been up and running for much of 2012, but crime statistics are up 9.5 % anyway, and 2) Electronic Ankle Bracelets have been in place and monitored for years.  If electronic monitoring is what caught the homicide suspect, it would not have required the DNC-funded Command Center.

2012 CREATIVE CRIME STATISTIC REPORTING

While it’s great that there were three less murders in 2012 than in 2011, much of the credit probably goes to paramedics and hospital staff—and to quick response of police officers responding to get those who were shot or stabbed to medical help.  The statistics on attempted murder are rolled into lesser charges.  Statistics for everyone who lived through 2012 in Charlotte are less encouraging:

Murders decreased 5.5 %

Rape    increased 4 %

Robbery  increased 12 %, with Armed Robbery increasing 14 %

Aggravated Assault  increased 9 %

Burglary is reported as down about 9 %

Larceny Totals are reported as  increasing about 6 %, with

Shoplifting  increasing over 18 % *

Vehicle Theft  Increased 2 %

Arson decreased 0.5 %

Overall:

Violent Crime Reported increased 9.5 %

Property Crime Reported increased 1.8 %

HOW MANY MURDERS WERE THERE IN 2012?

It’s hard to say what numbers are being reported.  If you examine the individual division numbers per CMPD’s site and add up the 2012 murder totals for each of 13 divisions, they total 49, not the 52 total given for the City for the year.  If three murders were committed somewhere outside of Divisions, but included in the totals, then what does that say about the validity of the rest of the crime numbers?  Or is there some other explanation for these two numbers not matching?

Similarly, adding up rapes reported among divisions brings a total of 205, but the City total is reported as 219.  There are 1635 robberies added up, vs. 1798 reported as the total.  Etcetera.  

Since CMPD is basing their reported increases and decreases in crime on these numbers, an explanation is in order.  If the total number of crimes reported as 38,014 for 2012 and 36,980 for 2011 are based on faulty, misleading, or just unclear reports or calculations, that needs to be clarified or corrected.

FREEDOM DIVISION: PINS FOR BEST 2012 CRIME REDUCTION

Chief Monroe applauded the Freedom Division for crime reduction and gave out pins to commemorate accomplishments.  Monroe said the Freedom Division demonstrated the best overall reduction at 3.5%.  However, violent crime was up 22.5% in Freedom, with Robbery up 31%, Rape up 8%, and Aggravated Assault up 22%.  Murders dropped from 4 in 2011 to 1 in 2012, and Burglary and Larceny statistics were way down.

COMPARE TO PROVIDENCE DIVISION, 2011 PIN WINNERS FOR BEST CRIME REDUCTION

Last year, Monroe began his pinning tradition by awarding them to Captain Martha Dozier and the Providence Division for a drop in 2011 reported crime statistics.  Now her 2012 Crime Statistics show:

Murders increased 67 %

Rape increased 30 %

Strong-armed Robbery increased 38 %

Aggravated Assault increased 12 %

Residential Burglary increased 11 %

Shoplifting increased 55 %  

with overall larceny increasing 6 %

Vehicle Theft increased 4 %

Arson increased 233 %

NOTE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES THIS YEAR IN SHOPLIFTING REPORTED

* The marked increase in reported shoplifting must be considered.  Last year, Citynewswatch reported the little-known SHOP (Shoplifting Offender Project) program employed by CMPD that seemed to be a way to keep larceny numbers off the books.  Inquiries to the State, FBI and CMPD to get accurate Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics required by the FBI and other agencies hit dead ends in many cases, but maybe there was an internal response.  Only a full audit will tell for sure, but it would be a big coincidence if suddenly 20% more incidences of shoplifting started occurring after the diversion program was exposed.  Maybe it’s just a sign of the economic times or law enforcement focus.

If you read this SHOP post, you will see that the 2008 and 2009 CMPD Annual Reports have been removed from the web, and have not been returned.  Those are the first two years of Rodney Monroe’s tenure as Police Chief in Charlotte.  Why have they been removed?  What information is problematic?  2005, 2006, and 2007 are still present. 

PUBLIC STILL IN THE DARK

Watch Commander Logs, Significant Event Logs, and other major public crime information Chief Monroe had removed from the web site still hasn't been restored, and it doesn't look promising it will ever happen.

TOP SECRET STRETCHING

Millions have been spent on the DNC-funded “Command Center” used to install video cameras, microphones and “Shot Spotter” microphone systems, along with extra License Plate Reader's, or LPR’s (cameras that capture and store the locations and actions of tens of thousands of license plates of innocent travelers as they look for a few possible violators).  Monroe still won’t release any Operating Procedures for these devices, who is authorized to use them, who is authorized to access the data, how long it will be stored, whether the data is being uploaded to any outside agencies or companies, or what the total costs are.  There is no data to substantiate the use of this equipment or data, and now Monroe is claiming the old electronic monitoring ankle bracelets are part of the new technology—making any claim necessary to associate catching a murder suspect with his expensive Command Center.

The CMPD and City STILL have not released dollars spent on this “top-secret” technology for security reasons, according to Police Chief Rodney Monroe and recently-retired City Manager Curt Walton.  Tax payers were told they had to wait until after the DNC Convention first week of September, 2012, ended to be told how the security dollars had been spent.  More than four months later, is there still a security threat to the visiting dignitaries last Fall?

No.

The finances for security spending still haven’t been disclosed.

Java Warning from Homeland Security

Homeland security has issued a warning to disable or remove Java software from your computer, due to a glitch in the software that could cause you to visit a site and upload a malicious Java applet, causing more problems.  Read details at this government site (U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team) and in this thorough article by MSNBC, which both contain instructions on how to disable the software.  Be advised that many computers come pre-installed with Java, so even if you did not install the program, you may likely have it on your computer.

CMPD DC Medlock Will Be Fayetteville Police Chief

Current Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Deputy Chief Harold Medlock has been named new Chief of Police for the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina.  The Fayetteville Observer reported today 55-year-old Medlock will begin his new position on February 18th with a force of 380 officers.  

Snowflakes: No Two Alike? Check This.

"No two snowflakes are alike?"  Not so true, according to this cool video "The Chemistry of Snowflakes" by the American Chemical Society.  (Thanks to Maria Popova @Brainpickings, www.brainpickings.org for pointing it out).

With the prospect of snowfall heading to Charlotte and the surrounding area, I am grateful for a warm, safe place to sleep.  There are heavy storms with snow around half the country at this time, which is less inviting than a light dusting to be enjoyed, or a good drift to ski.

During all these holidays and throughout the brutally cold winter season in the Middle East, I am grateful for our United States Troops serving overseas in even harsher conditions than normal.

As the temperatures drop, don't forget to check on elderly neighbors to be sure they have safe forms of heat.  Also make sure all pets are inside and have a way to keep warm.

Puddle Jumping

There are plenty of things to write about today, including Mayor Foxx's contentious dealing with Charlotte's City Council as he keeps trying to raise our taxes for expensive projects even most in his own party voted down several times already.  Some on City Council who are opposed to Mayor Foxx's plans have said they feel Foxx has threatened them politically for not backing him his nearly $1 Billion plan.

Police Chief Rodney Monroe presented to Council how he wanted to keep not only the millions of dollars in surveillance equipment added for the DNC Convention (shock, surprise) but also wants to access private and university cameras so police can collect additional information through those cameras as well.  Monroe wants to expand the Shotspotter program (technology that purports to zero in on gunshots and report them to police real time) to private property in more areas.  


Instead of that, watch this video.  Feel good.

Video by Julian Burrett with copyrighted music "You're My Best Friend" by Queen.  EMI.  Via YouTube.

(NOT) RESTORING TRUST IN GOVERNMENT

Reports in several outlets released details of what we will be paying now-former Tax Assessor Garrett Alexander since he “resigned” last week.  It is startling to read in the Charlotte Observer that he not only kept a job with Mecklenburg County, but that he “offered his resignation in a closed meeting on the condition he remain a county employee in another job.”  (emphasis added)

Since when does someone in his position make demands on offering his resignation?  Since when are those demands accepted? 

Pearson’s consulting firm was hired by the county to evaluate the process and found dozens of problems with the Revaluation process Alexander was in charge of, leading to tens of thousands of appeals, tens of millions of dollars overcharged to county citizens, talk of having to take North Carolina State Legislature action and millions more in work for the county to fix the mess.  All the while, many citizens are suffering with the daily reality of trying to pay the overcharges and trying to pay other bills.  Many fear losing their homes over this and some have had to sell.

The result?  Alexander’s boss, County Manager Harry Jones, keeps his job (again).  And Garrett Alexander keeps a county job as...   Senior Fiscal Analyst.   Salary:  $98,500 for now. 

The Observer reported that in the closed session:

After the county manager told commissioners he could find Alexander another position, they unanimously voted to accept Alexander’s resignation.

Jones reportedly complained bitterly he did not get a raise.

The new Board of County Commissioners could correct both of these problems.  They could also correct the 2011 appeals that need to be corrected without having the State Legislature clean up the mess the former board created.  They should be too embarrassed to ask.  How much more time and money will be wasted on incompetence? 

• Order a Board of Equalization and Review to set appointments within 2 hour blocks (at least) with anyone who wants or needs a review.  The previous system of forcing people to come at 9 a.m. and remain all day long, sometimes in to the evening, is ridiculous.  Even the courts split the day in half.  Some people paid attorneys (as they were incorrectly instructed by Alexander/staff they needed) to sit with them for hours on end, in addition to missing work and other hardships.  
• Order time limits waived due to the lack of due process and deal with the process in house.  
• Order the Assessor/BER to provide support documents for their basis for assessment to the tax payer—it’s only fair.  
• And then have a fair meeting with tax payers to come to reasonable valuation.

It would be a lot cheaper than the arduous processes being proposed.  And, it has a chance of producing an equitable result.

See also previous post with details of Revaluation review recommendations: 

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners Delays Vote

COMPILATION OF TURKEY FRYING VIDEOS

For anyone who decides to risk deep-frying a turkey, here’s why you should NEVER fry a frozen turkey.  Be sure it’s completely thawed.  Do not overfill oil (check when cool) and do not place the cooker anywhere near flammable objects--like a house, deck, trees or children:

And see a more complete list of safety information on this short video:

And lastly, William Shatner at his weirdest (at least weirdest turkey frying video).  This is an actual Public Safety Announcement done by State Farm last year. 

Don’t burn down your house.  

Don’t drink and drive.  

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners Delays Vote

Tonight the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners, replete with several new members, met for several important issues affecting the city and county.

Possibly the most heated issue in recent history is the 2011 Tax Revaluation.  News broke tonight that Tax Assessor Garret Alexander has submitted his resignation for that position, but will stay on in some other unnamed county position at an undisclosed salary (at least for now).

A vote on how to proceed with some actions about what Commissioner Bill James called a "train wreck" of a process was delayed tonight.  All agreed to meet next week Tuesday at 3 p.m. to discuss and possibly amend County Manager Harry Jones' recommendations concerning the audit.  View this information at these links below:

Mecklenburg Revaluation Review Final Report.pdf
Cover Letter for Final Report.pdf
Mecklenburg County Report Cover.pdf
Exhibits for Final Report.pdf
County Manager Recommendations on Revaluation Review.pdf

Comments from the dais stated support for review from the State level in Representative Brawley and Speaker of the House Thom Tillis.  Others maintain that a "rollback" of the 2011 revaluation that so many want is not permitted by law and will not change.  

Three-and-a-half hours of discussion did not result in resolution or a vote.  Many angry property owners showed up again to voice complaints to the Board.

ELECTION INFORMATION

PLAN AHEAD TO SAVE TIME AND AVOID ANY SURPRISES

Under the VOTER INFORMATION link, choose VIEW MY SAMPLE BALLOT, enter your address as instructed.  The program will return a list of what your area-specific choices will be, along with your polling location.

SEE NORTH CAROLINA STATE & LOCAL CHARLOTTE/MECKLENBURG CANDIDATES

The most recent gubernatorial debate with Lt. Governor Dalton and Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is from October 24^th , aired on WRALTV and can be viewed HERE with indexed comments and questions (could not embed).

A good place to see many State and Local Candidates is through the non-partisan televised debates sponsored by WTVI and the League of Women voters on PBS. Links to each individual debate they aired are shown here:

Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners, District 1

Karen Bentley and Keith Bradford

Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners, District 5

Paula Harvey and Matthew Ridenhour

County Commission At Large

Pat Cotham (D), Trevor M. Fuller(D), Michael Hobbs (R), James Peterson (R), Wayne Powers (R), Jason Bateman (L)  (not in debate, also running: Kim Michele Ratliff, (D))

NC Senate District 38 

Joel Ford & Richard Rivette

  

NC House District 88

Martha Alexander & Rob Bryan

NC House District 92

Robin Bradford & Charles Jeter

US House District 9

Robert Pittenger & Jennifer Roberts

US House District 12 

Jack Brosch & Mel Watt

JUDGES CONTROL MUCH, HAVE LONG TERMS

As you are deciding all your election choices, note especially the lengthy terms for judges’ seats.  Many people don’t take the time to research or vote for judges, but these are people making decisions about your life every day, whether you ever encounter a court house or not.  They rule in civil court matters if law suits become an issue.  And if you care about crime, sentencing decisions, court efficiency matters, and other important justice issues, judges are the last foothold of the legal system.  Find out who these people are before you elect them or let them stay in office.  Find voting guides and recommendations, as well as reading articles about their past decisions. 

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES SERVE EVERYONE

Don’t forget, too, the At-Large Board of County Commissioner Representatives will serve every person in Mecklenburg County, regardless of your location.  Make sure you choose those who have worked hardest to earn that position, met with the County, and match your values and goals for Mecklenburg County (don’t forget those tax revaluations—and how the money is being spent).

.   .   .   .   .

Educate yourself, family and friends about all candidates. 

VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6. 

It is a precious right and responsibility.

It is the loudest, most powerful voice we have.

.   .   .   .   .

 Still not sure? Watch this Saturday Night Live sketch “UndecidedVoters”

and then go vote.

Offices on the Ballot 2012

President and Vice President (4 Years)
1 Seat

U.S. House of Representatives (2 Years)
8th Congressional District
9th Congressional District
12th Congressional District
1 Seat

Governor (4 Years)
1 Seat

Council of State (4 Years)
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General 
State Auditor
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Insurance
Commissioner of Labor
Secretary of State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Treasurer
1 Seat

State Senator (2 Years)
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
1 Seat

State Representative (2 Years)
District 88
District 92
District 98
District 99
District 100
District 101
District 102
District 103
District 104
District 105
District 106
District 107
1 Seat

County Commissioner At-Large (2 Years)
3 Seats

County Commission Districts (2 Years)
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
1 Seat

Register of Deeds (4 Years)
1 Seat

Soil & Water Conservation District (4 Years)
1 Seat

NC Superior Court District 26-A (8 Years)
Non-Partisan
2 Seats

NC Supreme Court (8 Years)
Non-Partisan
1 Seats

NC Court of Appeals (8 Years)
 Non-Partisan
3 Seats

District Court Judges (4 Years)
Non-Partisan
12 Seats

THIS LIST TAKEN FROM:

http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOE/elections/Pages/Officeson2012Ballot.aspx