The standard-bearer for every elected official, Ken Chambers, has a Web site [KenChambers.net] that he updates frequently. In the latest post, he explains his vote against creating the IRS task force:
Item 2008-398 – Consider and take action on an Interlocal Agreement between the U. S. Internal Revenue Service “IRS” Criminal investigative Division and the City of Midlothian, Texas, in order to approve a Southern Sector High Intensity Drug Traffic Area (HIDTA) Task Force to be housed at the Midlothian Justice Center (Police Department).The item passed council 6-1. I voted against the item. See Comment below.
From the councilman’s chambers:
I have fourteen years in law enforcement. Five of the fourteen was in criminal investigation, i.e., homicide and armed robbery. I’m not opposed to crime prevention or the implementation of HIDTA. The City of Midlothian is responsible for housing the HIDTA Task Force, and our Police Chief, Carl Smith, is the Host for HIDTA.
The formation of HIDTA consists of various officers from multiple jurisdictions, e.g., IRS, ATF, ICE and several local cities. I questioned Chief Smith during his presentation to council, regarding who initiated HIDTA, reason for the formation, responsibilities, structure, jurisdiction, and mainly why the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department is not part of HIDTA.
With the information I currently have been provided, I have the following problems with this plan:
* the lack of coordination with the supreme law enforcement agency in the county, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department,
* Midlothian is housing this group, but it is apparent HIDTA was not initiated by the Midlothian Police Department, and we have only one officer involved,
* the only other cities participating are DeSoto (2 officers), Lancaster (1 officer), and Seagoville (1 officer),
* the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, the Red Oak Police Department, the DEA, and the FBI were all invited to join this task force– but have not accepted,
* potential liability if one of our officers is hurt, or hurts someone, outside Ellis County, and,
* the IRS being involved with drug enforcement in our city.
During my questioning of Chief Smith, my Council and Mayor Whatley “Called the Question.” In simple terms, a vote was immediately taken to close the discussion preventing any further questioning of Chief Smith and to keep me from getting any more information. The motion passed 5-2. A second vote was taken to approve the HIDTA item for housing at the Justice Center, passing 6-1.
In conclusion, there are many concerns and until I fully understand its existence, I cannot support HIDTA working inside the City of Midlothian.
Ray L. Williams
November 4, 2008
The citizens of Midlothian should be ashamed to put their heads into the sand while Chambers takes the heat for trying to save their rears.
He has consistenly stood up against the wasteful spending of Whatley and his lackeys; yet, most of the citizens don’t seem to care.
If the RCAA group is annexed, there will be a new Midlothian, and the citizens will have only themselves to blame for it.
Joey Dauben
November 4, 2008
I still don’t like the fact local cops will be federalized.
Screw the end-arounds, they’re coming in right through the front.
Watch. This arrangement will bite us all in the ass.
(Note: this comment was submitted to the webmaster before today’s election)
almosta1
November 5, 2008
Joey,
Please explain why you think this will “bite us all in the ass?”
Thanks
Rick Smith
November 6, 2008
Hi Joey,
I agree with Almost1, can you please explain why you think this will bite us in the ass. Federal, State and Local law enforcement officers all over the country have been involved in joint task force operations for years. I personally have been involved in several over the last thirty years. They have always worked out well for everyone with the exception of the bandits. The cities or towns involved normally realize a dollar benefit due to the feds footing a large amount of the operating expense. Local departments are faced with smaller operating budgets which can have a negative impact on major investigations. An example you could use would be informant money or high dollar surveillance equipment just for starters. Prosecuting the bandits federally also has benefits. The tax dollars used to prosecute is federal which saves local tax dollars and does not impact our already back logged local justice system. And this part is my favorite the bandits normally spend more time behind bars.