Privatization of County Courthouse Security—A Bad Idea Pushed by Sheriff Crider and Commissioner Fulmer

Why is privatization of security a bad idea?

We’re all used to people and businesses getting private security for their homes and premises, contracting with private companies to do so.  But government contracting for security, a policing function, is different. They are armed, have the power to detain and arrest people, and have access to a lot of data about citizens including our movements. 

Because of this, Sheriff Deputies and police officers pass rigorous background screens and extensive training and education.  Higher education is often a requirement. One of the complaints by Sheriff Crider is how long it takes to fulfill all the requirements for hiring deputies, their training and certification.  For some reason the Sheriff is unable to fill the positions he has approval for.  And it became apparent that there has been only nominal security at the Courthouse for some time.  Although Sheriff Crider could not bring himself to admit that security has been subpar, his testimony about why a private company, located out of town, can do what the County cannot do, was an admission of it.    

It is an article of faith among Republicans that private companies can provide public services more cheaply and of better quality than government.  This is not true.  Just look at private prisons. The contracts awarded by government units are for lower amounts, at least initially, than budgeted.  Profits have to come from somewhere for these companies so services are skimped on, and no benefits are available to employees.  The employees’ pay may be higher than in the government sector initially, but again, no benefits.

Private contractors’ costs have a way of increasing and after a few years may not be such a cost savings to the public, and by then the government unit is dependent on them.  Internal expertise and capabilities are lost and can be a challenge to replace. There are many more contracted staff by the Federal government than government employees. 

There has been an opening in the Sheriff’s Office since August.  Where did they advertise?  Online job seeker websites Glass Door and Indeed.  They did NOT advertise on the County HR page as is required of all county positions.  Local people looking for local jobs would have missed this opportunity. 

Why?

—Kari Isaacson