tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post5744488089305138094..comments2024-03-25T20:06:39.794-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Report: Bexar probation department poorly managedGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-1613301875629600192009-12-18T20:57:51.401-06:002009-12-18T20:57:51.401-06:0012-11-09 @ 9:54
You're sadly mistaken. The per...12-11-09 @ 9:54<br />You're sadly mistaken. The person you mention that was fired and rehired had numerous issues. The reason the department had to "re-hire" him was because of a lack of competence by the head of HR! You could blame Mr. Anderson. but you have no factual basis for that claim. So. my recommendation to you and Sid is stop your WHINING. By the way, is Sid still conducting his realty business on company phones, computers, printers and fax machines? Mary, knew of this but did nothing. SEIU beware of the corrupt and immoral one that is courting you!!!<br />Note: If you're not a member of C-TAPE, you have no say in whom our President is!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-90060020829946489652009-12-15T13:40:59.715-06:002009-12-15T13:40:59.715-06:00Anderson is the new chief, NOW you'll see how ...Anderson is the new chief, NOW you'll see how a dept is supposed to run!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-44736890653830924762009-12-11T22:17:09.973-06:002009-12-11T22:17:09.973-06:00I think Grits has touched on a subject worth consi...I think Grits has touched on a subject worth considering. I think it may be to much nagging. I can understand a union may want to express or submit input as to a selection of a Chief. But, I think they want more. It's like they want to select the Chief. Like listen to me and pick from these two people. Either Caesar or Jarvis!!! Well, If you have an unprofessional approach I don't think anyone is going to listen to you anyway. Give yourself a break, take a breath and then try to be diplomatic. That may help. Of course the other thing is that you may never be happy, and the dept. continues to get rid of the next Chief. Here we go for another two years. Think about it... your only holding back progress.Command Post IInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-39275445046430827172009-12-11T21:54:42.876-06:002009-12-11T21:54:42.876-06:00Please -- Jarvis has some knowledge but he is not ...Please -- Jarvis has some knowledge but he is not Chief quality. He is good with computers but we have a whole dept. in that area. We need someone to see the big picture and not tied into the political mess. Jarvis is a good old buddy. He is playing on everyone he can to move up. He has only been a manager probably 3 years, and he is not even Administrative material. We already have an unexperienced Union President Simonelli. <br /><br />The reason he may of been one of the finalist as I heard is he is good buddies with Sherri. Sherri Simonelli worked under his management. They stay well connected and Jarvis sells out quickly. Talking about fairness our former officer Sherri wants to place her buddies in positions not based on qualifications but based on relationship to her. Sherri would of been fired perhaps sooner than she was if her then manager Jarvis did not favor her, and help by turning the other way. Jarvis loved to hear all the union news and any information from the loose mouth Sherri. Jarvis is one who has favorites. If you let Jarvis get away with it - he will push you around especially the males since he likes to show off to the women. I think that is very weak and very unprofessional. <br /><br />Jarvis is also impulsive - he's the big reason we had a wrongful hire lawsuit. Jarvis got personal and put his foot in it. The department lost this lawsuit, rehired this employee, and paid some big money. I'm happy for the employee who did deserve his job back. But, lets not forget Jarvis was a big screw up on this one. Sherri knows this quite clearly, but again her interest is a favor down the road. <br /><br />Shame on you Sherri, I can smell what you are up to. You want someone that will help you get rehired. You are using the union for your own personal gain. Breaking any union laws?<br /><br />Your also very friendly with the former Chief Garcia. Now whats your purpose with him? He couldn't get it straight for over 20 years, and everyone wanted him out including you. Well I can smell that to. You want Caesar to help you get your job back. You scratch his back and he scratches yours. It this unethical? Breaking any union laws? <br /><br />We need a new Chief? Yes O.k. <br /><br />We need a new Union President? Yes, For damn sure. <br /><br />Fabelo showed a diagram of problems within the department, and many say - get rid of the Chief. Well if you can see a diagram of the Steelworkers problems you will say - get rid of the President.Command Post Inoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-74959855077826370392009-12-11T16:43:20.363-06:002009-12-11T16:43:20.363-06:00Anderson is one of the few officers in the whole o...Anderson is one of the few officers in the whole of the department that has a FULL working knowledge of the entire judicial/probation process, as well as CJAD requirements, and laws. He's well respected, strict, but fair. It's a shame he wasn't appointed, the department would have been highly successful under his leadership.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-76740717083257501812009-12-11T16:32:16.813-06:002009-12-11T16:32:16.813-06:00Former Chief Garcia is cosidered an outsider now. ...Former Chief Garcia is cosidered an outsider now. The new Chief should be hired from within the department. Jarvis Anderson was a finalist from within the department. The department would do very well with him and I am sure there would not be any uproar over his appointment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-59784372240634906812009-12-11T14:28:34.877-06:002009-12-11T14:28:34.877-06:00Hiring former Chief Garcia would be a mistake. Man...Hiring former Chief Garcia would be a mistake. Many of the people he hired have been fired due to crimes committed in relation to their employment as probation officers.<br /><br />The last employee fired was Tracey Bogert for a conviction of Tamperning With Government Record. This is bad enough but Garcia hired him knowing Bogert had a conviction for Theft and two convictions for Driving While Intoxicated.<br /><br />We can certainly find someone with better decision making ability.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-83987089980838184742009-12-11T13:16:56.158-06:002009-12-11T13:16:56.158-06:00Gritsyou said, "at this point y'all have ...Gritsyou said, "at this point y'all have a messed up, dysfunctional departmental structure and culture, by all appearances." You are right it is a dysfunctional departmental structure, you are wrong about having a dysfunctional culture. The Officers want an insider to be hired as the Chief becuase an insider knows who's who and the dysfunctional administration will be removed along with the corruption. Someone from the outside does not know who the bad apples are and will likely retain much of the messed up admin. The department does not need Chicago gangster corruption taking over. San Antonio has a great culture, the Officers and staff are of that same culture, and insider will greatly improve department morale. Get a vote from the Judges in public and vote out all who go against what the officers want after all they are the ones that really have to work with the new chief. The department does not need a yes man for the Judges. The department needs to be effective for the community which by the way is that same culture that was referred to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-14159582934186960422009-12-10T20:24:57.103-06:002009-12-10T20:24:57.103-06:00I was just told that the new chief is from Chicago...I was just told that the new chief is from Chicago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-38046472394814840862009-12-10T14:38:00.496-06:002009-12-10T14:38:00.496-06:001023: Wipe his butt-stuff off your nose.1023: Wipe his butt-stuff off your nose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-86912014975134560992009-12-09T22:00:46.733-06:002009-12-09T22:00:46.733-06:00Hey, it's getting us a new Chief.Hey, it's getting us a new Chief.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-48745847930737701132009-12-09T21:33:39.561-06:002009-12-09T21:33:39.561-06:00Baby Chavez. That explains the whining.Baby Chavez. That explains the whining.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-64239170899137396342009-12-09T10:26:50.992-06:002009-12-09T10:26:50.992-06:00Failure goes hand in hand with success. This is t...Failure goes hand in hand with success. This is true of the Department Union, but it has never lost the hope of a better department, which thanks to them is already happening.<br /><br />To 8:42 you are obviously not involved with the LABOR movement. Those who are know national labor heads liken her to the tenacious Norma Rae. Some call her "Baby Chavez." That Union will stand by you when others will not.<br /><br />They are marching onward and looking forward to working with a new director. The Department will be one the Community, Judges, and Officers can trust.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-27097480546137863562009-12-09T09:43:06.364-06:002009-12-09T09:43:06.364-06:00Grits
I believe your efforts to influence the uni...Grits<br /><br />I believe your efforts to influence the union to not blame Fitzgerald and administration will be useless.<br /><br />Their rhetoric is always the same. Wait to see what else happens, only union members know what is REALLY happening, the rest of us just stupid, the law suits will work just be patient, the administration just needs to follow our advise, and a score of many other wise sayings. The union forgets action and results is what really counts.<br /><br />There are always some people willing to go down with the ship. Many union members have so much pettiness invested, the facts are just not allowed to get in the way.<br /><br />Example: Why is blogger 12-8-09 10:08 PM whining about not being invited to a party held by the manager of PSI. I doubt the whiner has ever invited Lewis to a party.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-21373045239332878402009-12-09T07:38:52.095-06:002009-12-09T07:38:52.095-06:00Matthew, the juvie probation bureaucracy is a comp...Matthew, the juvie probation bureaucracy is a completely different animal run by different folks.<br /><br />10:08, thanks for your perspective. And for the record, I do appreciate that not everybody there is just a Negative Nellie and a lot of POs would like to improve. I just think that now is the point in history that tactics must change.<br /><br />@10:30: I've blamed Fitzgerald plenty - more than most - when he's to blame. But he's gone now. So what if he's in court next month? What does it matter, now? The demonizing tactics of blaming him for every problem and pretending nothing else needs to change besides him exiting will simply not work anymore.<br /><br />Change at Bexar CSCD is going to require Y'ALL changing, too, and just as importantly, the judges; it's not only an question of switching a figurehead the ED slot - at this point y'all have a messed up, dysfunctional departmental structure and culture, by all appearances.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-55033740125883947862009-12-08T22:30:22.541-06:002009-12-08T22:30:22.541-06:00Mr. Henson,
Blaming the union or line officers fo...Mr. Henson, <br />Blaming the union or line officers for current problems at the Bexar County CSCD is a "Thinking Error" on your part. You are showing a lack of professionalism by not placing the blame where it belongs, Fitzgerald and his administration. <br />A lack of competent leadership can only be placed on those in charge. <br />Don't forget that Fitzgerald will be in Federal Court in January 2010. <br />Merry Christmas Bill, you're not worthy of retention! Could Kathy, Minerva, Robert, Mary, Aimee, Francis, Wade, Ann, Doc and others be next for retention interviews? Stay tuned, this Thursday is reportedly the day that the Judges will pick the new Chief.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-9674414984820868432009-12-08T22:08:29.600-06:002009-12-08T22:08:29.600-06:00Scott, I have worked for the Bexar County Adult Pr...Scott, I have worked for the Bexar County Adult Probation department (CSCD) over 20+ years. Starting pay at the department was $17,000 in the early 80's. It is currently around $31,000. If you figure the cost of a four year degree in 1980 vs 2006 you can see why no one wants to stay at the department for financial reasons. (Fitzgerald?Cline did away with pay scale/steps.<br />Being threatened to be fired a couple days before Christmas is another reason not to work there. <br />Rgearding the Pre-Sentence investigations, the trouble with that unit is their lack of leadership. They have a manager that has parties at his home and he excludes those that he doesn't like. Sound like a "professional Manager" to you. By the way he was Ftzgeralds daily jogging buddy.<br />A previous manager in the Gang Unit had officers assigned by areas of town under Chief Garcia. However, neither Fitzgerald nor Cline will listen to anyone with experience because they "don't want your input." <br />A previous manager in the Sex Offender unit tried to assign probationers and officers by zip codes. Fitzgerald and Cline got so upset with his attempts to make that unit more efficient and protect the public safety that they reassigned him to another court.<br />SAPD was willing to let Sex Offender officers use their substations to better do their jobs. This was nixed by the administration. <br />Judge Roman told officers that if she had it HER way, they wouldn't do any home visits, period. Looks like she got her way. Gang and Sex Offender units aren't allowd to verify compliance by going into probationers homes.<br />Fitzgerald and Cline take 8 officers away from supervision, give them $300 per month raises, and tell other officers that they may have to lay off officers! These officers had absolutely NO field experience and have done nothing for several months.<br />The training unit is an absolute joke. They have very little experience and if you try to give the manager any useful tips you will most likely be cussed out. She really likes the "F" word.<br />I could go on and on, but no one including you would care to listen. You just want to bash those professional officers (union and non union) that care about following what was the Mission Statement at the probation department. Unfortunately the department is run by non professionals who know very little about the job. <br />BOTTOM LINE: The residents of Bexar County, the probation officers and probationers all lose with the current administration. Fabelo is right that NO current Administrator/Manager should be considered for the new Chief position. <br />GOD help us allAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-24961507452100672992009-12-08T21:23:32.427-06:002009-12-08T21:23:32.427-06:00Grits,
Until you take the Judges out of pic...Grits, <br /> Until you take the Judges out of picking the Chief Probation Officer as mandated by state law, you will continue to have the mess that this and other departments are in. The Judges are only interesed in furthering their wishes within their courts and could care less about what is best for the probationers rehabilitation and the safety of the puublic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-88442725190445930202009-12-08T11:43:58.291-06:002009-12-08T11:43:58.291-06:00I'm curious if similar issues are reflected in...I'm curious if similar issues are reflected in Bexar's juvenile probation department. My experience collaborating with this department would lead me to believe otherwise; however, I wonder if the identified problem of assigning probation officers to courts rather than neighborhoods exists in the juvenile department and, if so, has this produced similar results especially with regard to specialized courts; e.g., mental health and drug courts?matthewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-51368555009418778172009-12-08T11:30:25.720-06:002009-12-08T11:30:25.720-06:00Did some of those fired TYC administrators go to w...Did some of those fired TYC administrators go to work here? Same mess here at Bexar as was in TYC two years ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-60025497650682027522009-12-08T10:23:56.393-06:002009-12-08T10:23:56.393-06:00I have know Tony Fabelo for about 15 years. His a...I have know Tony Fabelo for about 15 years. His a consummate justice policy professional with an extraordinary sense of personal integrity. I have seen him use research findings and evidence based practices to stand up against bad policy that was politically popular and supported by powerful political forces on many occasions. <br /><br />Those who suggest otherwise don't know him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-77615892424453982632009-12-08T09:39:46.287-06:002009-12-08T09:39:46.287-06:00I'd like to see a report on the Tarrant County...I'd like to see a report on the Tarrant County probation department. As bad as Bexar is, I would expect TC to be just as bad. Our experience involves being lied to, lied about and overall poor judgement in decisions. I'm convinced the officers are on a power trip and want to have the 'offenders' revoked. I'm sure there are some honest, dedicated professionals there - I just never met any.Sharonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-15593979687517992362009-12-08T09:20:57.130-06:002009-12-08T09:20:57.130-06:00Here is story that may capture the source of many ...Here is story that may capture the source of many of the problems in the Bexar County Probation Dept. <br /><br />Many years ago I was a senior executive in a department of corrections responsible for training all corrections personnel - including probation officers. We initiated a statewide effort to standardize procedures across courts so that we could better train officers and do it more consistently throughout the state. As part of this effort we examined the court requirements for presentence investigation reports (PSIR). What we found was that every court had their own unique requirements -- even the forms used by the courts varied. <br /><br />We initiated a discussion with judges about then need to standardize PSIR processes. At the conceptual level they generally agreed. They recommended that we pull together a representative group of judges to develop a standardized process. A group of 20 judges were brought together at the state corrections academy for a week. At the end of the week they could not find common ground even the most basic things -- whether the PSIR reports should be letter or legal size. <br /><br />In the end we were never able to develop the consistent high quality training needed because the variability was so great across the courts. The best we could do was to provide probation officer training generally relevant to courts. The unique and specific requirements for each judge could only be trained by that judge for officers working their court. <br /><br />We knew what needed to be done but could not make it happen with the inability of judges to standardize processes. Perhaps root of the problems revealed by the Fabelo report in Bexar County lies with the judges more than the department.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-38106661492515380792009-12-08T08:42:44.359-06:002009-12-08T08:42:44.359-06:00Grits
I agree with your assessment of the union s...Grits<br /><br />I agree with your assessment of the union strategies and eventual failure. The union started as a good tool for positive change but has become useless.<br /><br />All the information, news, and reports associated with the department union is very negative. The face of Sherri Simonelli could be put in the dictionary next to the word "WHINER". <br /><br />I fear the poor reputation of the Probation Department Union has negatively effected other unions in Bexar County.<br /><br />By disagreeing with the union you have placed yourself in danger of severe retaliation. I hope you are prepared for treatment similar to what Chief Fitzgerald received.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-51887845785473548032009-12-08T08:05:25.454-06:002009-12-08T08:05:25.454-06:00The presentation you refer to was shown to Bexar C...The presentation you refer to was shown to Bexar County employees and is overwhelmingly approved. Employees are excited about the plan and many have volunteered their time and efforts for a successful transition.<br /><br />The needed involvement of Fabelo, CJAD, Wentworth, Van De Putte, and the threat to cut off funds does tell us something The judges are very resistant to any changes that reduces their authority to influence and micro manage the probation department.<br /><br />You state the Pre Sentence Investigation Report are shoddy and unreliable. This may be true but the reports contain the information requested by the judges. Any deviation from the judge approved format is quickly corrected by the judges.<br /><br />You also state the Bexar County Department is the worst big city department and blame Fitzgerald. We can blame Fitzgerald for not fixing the problems, but the honor for creating the FUBAR goes to former Chief Garcia. Chief Garcia was at the lead for over 20 years. MOst of the problems you speak of existed long before Fitzgerald arrived.<br /><br />There is no manuel because it would be impracticle to have a separate manuel for 19 different court policies. It is very unlikely the judges will agree on any on court policy. It appears the judges simply do not like each other enough to work together.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com