What's the deal?

[Anonymous]

What's up with all this gang activity in our county?
How do we stop it?


Janet

[Anonymous]

I had this same question because I have kids in our public schools and after the incident at Irmo High School I have become more concerned about it. I don't know exactly what our Sheriff's Department is doing now, other than what appears to be nothing. Last weekend I was out at Irmo High School with my kids for a car show and met Larry Harrison who is running against Metts for Sheriff next year. Though I only met the man, I like him. He explained to me his thoughts on getting kids involved in other activities and things he would do as Sheriff to address these issues. He is very proactive and I think that is what we need to get rid of all this gang stuff. Just my thoughts.

[Anonymous]

I too have kids in the Lexington County schools. The idea of gangs and the violence that goes with them scare me. I was at the Irmo game with me kids and they were really scared. My youngest daughter told my husband that she never wanted to go to another football game if something like this might happen again. What do you tell a 6 year old? Truth be told, I was just as scared as she was. There has got to be a better solution. To see the mob of kids coming down the bleachers was a scary sight.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree with David, the Sheriff isn't doing anything about our problems and the only time you see him is when he can use something like what happen at Irmo High School to put his face on tv. It has gotten to the point where I don't even know what to believe from him because he makes everything so dramatic and yet after he makes his comments on the news he doesn't do anything else about it. I am sick of it! Can any one tell me how to find out more about this other candidate?

[Anonymous]

Kim, You are wrong. You also see the sheriff during an election year!!!

[Anonymous]

I met the guy down in Batesburg, nice guy! I know he's got the votes down here! Anyway his website is:

www.harrison4sheriff2004.com

[Anonymous]

I checked out that site about Larry Harrison. I like the looks of it. I don't know about you, but I think it is time for a change in Lexington County. I can't wait until the Irmo Meet and Greet so I can actually meet this Harrison fellow.

[Anonymous]

I think this site is great and I wished I had thought of it first! I have to agree that I think it is time for a change as well. Sheriff Metts has had his time and the time now is for a change. Thirty plus years is a long time and people become stagnant and I haven't seen anything in the past couple of terms that shows me any progression in our Law Enforcement. Don't get me wrong, I think our Deputies do a great job, one that I wouldn't do, but I feel that they could do more. I have a friend that works at the Sheriff's Department and they always talk about how low the morale is and how they have no input in the department. I met Larry Harrison at the Peach Festival and what I liked about him is his fresh ideas and the excitement in his voice about the things he'd like to get done. I don't hear any excitment from Metts, only politics! Though I only hear from him on election years any way. I especially liked Larry's ideas about controling waste and saving ME money! Every time I turn around Metts is complaining about not having enough money. Guess what I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY!!!! So I say, VOTE HARRISON FOR SHERIFF!

[Anonymous]

Damn right Tim! Every year I hear Metts tell us how if he doesn't get any more money that he'll have to cut services and tell County Council how it's their fault he can't protect the people of Lexington County. Does he think we are stupid or something? It is simple economics (surely with a PhD he can figure this out!), we take in so much money and then we can only SPEND so much money! I understand the County is growing and with that there are increases in services but you only have the money you have, you can't spend like you have a bottomless pit! HARRISON FOR SHERIFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mopar]

You are all right! My only concern is that it may be too late. I have heard that the Assistant Sheriff has now been named Director of Public Safety in Lex. Co. Does this mean that he has access to the 911 funds? Although everyone is being told that he has made all GOOD changes. I think that is a SNOWJOB. I think a lot of what he is being credited for was already in place and being utilized. Lexington County residents really need to research their issues. I feel that Harrison would do a great job as Sheriff, it sounds as if he really cares about Lexington County. Exactly how much can an Explorer learn about true law enforcement?

[Anonymous]

I have been keeping up with Sheriff Metts lately and I am convinced that it is time for a change. I met Larry at the Lexington Fun Fest and was really surprised at how excited he becomes when he discusses the changes he would like to see done. THIS GUY REALLY CARES! I was floored, a politician that cares! Mr. Harrison corrected me and said that he wasn't a politician, and had no political aspirations, but was "just a cop"! Folks this is what we need. I understand that he works for Sheriff Lott and they have been friends for years and I see a lot of the same excitement in both of them. This is what Lexington County needs, a man willing to work with the communities and one that believes in "just being a cop"! I think everyone remembers that fiasco Metts made of his run for Governor! I find it refreshing to have someone excited about doing a job and thinking about the people they serve. Good luck to Mr. Harrison and I hope more people will support him because I know my family is!

[Anonymous]

Hey did any one hear about Metts losing it at the Irmo "Straight Talk with the Sheriff"? I understand he lost it and started shouting at the small gathering of citizens that had attended! :shock:

[mopar]

Well if he lost it at IRMO and at BATESBURG-LEESVILLE......he must not want to win this election......He is not making friends very well. :roll:

[Anonymous]

After working with Officer Harrison for a year at DFMS I can tell the folks of Lexington Cty-he should be your next sheriff. He took some of the toughest kids in that school and gave them a vision to succeed. Through his racing school and his love of children he managed to give each child hope for the future. At the end of the year he took a group of students who were "lost in the crowd" and made them feel like heroes after a 4 mile Marine Corp Mud Run. In fact the name of his team was Harrison's Heroes. If he can motivate these students who are typically known to have low motivation then he can build up the morale of the deputies of Lexington County. Together with the fine deputies Officer Harrison will help make the young and the old feel safe in their own homes. A change is needed and plus Metts only wants to go down in history as the longest serving sheriff not as the protector of his county.

[Anonymous]

Nena you are absolutley right! Larry Harrison has not only done an exceptional job with children, both on duty and off-duty, but he has always made time for those that needed it plus he actually made an effort to try to solve their problems. Larry is a true "community oriented" Law Enforcement Officer and we are all proud of him! Good luck to him and I can assure Lexington County residents that he will do a great job for you because he truly believes in what he does! :D

[gbarton]

I have to agree with David, the Sheriff isn't doing anything about our problems and the only time you see him is when he can use something like what happen at Irmo High School to put his face on tv. It has gotten to the point where I don't even know what to believe from him because he makes everything so dramatic and yet after he makes his comments on the news he doesn't do anything else about it. I am sick of it! Can any one tell me how to find out more about this other candidate?

Kim, if you have not already been given this information, Larry Harrison has a website it is www.harrison4sheriff2004.com As for the gang related information. Larry has several years of experience with Gang profiling, etc.. I was in a meeting that he held with Teachers, Staff and Parents at White knoll elementary. He is very knowledgable at this topic. Which is just one more reason why he should be a great Sheriff. He has several areas of expertise that he brings to the table with him. All which include bringing that information back out into our community and empowering us as Lexington County Citizens. Just food for thought. :D

[Anonymous]

You are right about Harrison's experience. I have known of him and met him on a couple of occassions out at the Criminal Justice Academy. Harrison is not only very knowledgable about Law Enforcement but is almost a legend at the Academy for his Narcotics work. The guy is very approachable and takes a lot of interest in people. I hope he makes it, Lexington County will be a better place for it!

[Anonymous]

I met Larry this weekend at a Meet & Greet in Irmo. I was impressed with his excitement and thoughts on children's programs. I wish him well and my family will be voting for him. It is time for a change.

[cutter2377]

It cost a lot of money to operate a sheriff's department. Population grows, sheriff's department has to grow. Lexington Co. is the fastest growing county in the state. I want protection; I want crimes solved; I want my children protected; I want gangs out of the schools/county; I want intelligence on known criminals kept updated; I want sex offenders tracked; I want drugs off the streets; I want a cop to be able to get to me when I need one, fast, not 45 minutes later; I want my property checked. The list goes on & on. At one time, Lex. Co Sheriff's Dept. was the best in the state. Back then, every deputy was there because he wanted to do everything he could to make a difference. Worked long hours to solve crimes (without being paid overtime) to get the bad guy off the street, to make it a point to give the solicitor a rock solid case for prosecution. Back then deputies were proud of their work and proud of their accomplishments. Now, they have to keep looking over their shoulders, not for the bad guy, but for the administration breathing down their necks, asking how much things will cost to solve a citizens/voters break-in. The current administration has ruined one of the best sheriff's departments in the state. Metts put Lexington Co. Sheriff's Dept. on the map, but he didn't do it by himself. I think he has now realized he made a "grave" mistake in 1999 when he filled the Chief Deputies position, vacated by retired Chief Lewis McCarty with James. Unlike James, McCarty lived & breathed Lexington County Sheriff's Department. He looked out for his deputies. He was a shoulder to cry on for some and even loaned others money. He wasn't a politician, that was Mett's job, he was a "cops, cop". He wasn't there to make a name for himself, he was there to make Lexington Co. Sheriff's Department the best sheriff's department in the state, which is what it was when he retired. I bet McCarty is biting his tongue and hating to see how the department has gone to "crap". I think Metts will agree, when he made McCarty his Chief Deputy 30 years ago, noone, absolutely noone would ever take his place & noone has. McCarty was, and still is, a model for every Chief Deputy or Chief of Police in every department in the nation. There will never be a more honest, fair, street smarts law enforcement professional born. When McCarty retired, whether you knew him for a day or 30 years, one knew it would never be the same. Give Mett's one more time, but get rid of his current administration.

[Anonymous]

Pesonally, I think Metts' time is up. If what you say is true, and I have no doubt that it is because it sounds like you are speaking from first hand knowledge, then this only proves that he has lost control and HE is responsible. My question to you is, HOW bad has the Sheriff's Department got!

[mopar]

:evil: METTS DOES NOT NEED ONE MORE TIME!!!!!! NEITHER DOES THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I THINK THE DAMAGES ARE MORE THAN ADEQUATE FOR THE TIME THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION HAS HAD..... You can't get a deputy when you need one because some of the deputies positions have been filled with the "CAYCE MAFIA" and computer GEEKS....who are being paid with County tax dollars and don't work a case.....probably don't even know how to work a case....they sit at computers all day....I believe in statisticians but I think one would suffice at the Sheriff's Dept.

Just how bad is it?????? Well now morale is at an all time low....cops who left and went overseas to work did not return to Lexington County - many because of the current Admin staff. The "SEASONED" road deputy may have one year under his belt....Is that what you want protecting you and your property???????? Or how about a "MAFIA" person that thinks they are better than you and more intelligent and has no investigating skills to speak of that they have used in the past 5 years???????????

Personnally I'll take my chances with a NEW SHERIFF AND A NEW STAFF......... GO HARRISON.....GIVE 'EM HELL!!!!!!!!!!!

[cutter2377]

Kermit,
The men & women of the Lexington Co. Sheriff's Dept. are very loyal to Metts, they work at his pleasure. New sheriff can fire each & every one of them if he chooses. These are the front-line people who do the work; who put their life on the line everyday; then there's the high dollar computer "geeks" that sit at a computer all day doing statistics so a Captain can impress the Chief with numbers. It helps, but not any good if noone pays any attention to numbers by increasing patrols, doing stake-outs, saturation, road blocks, arrests & etc. That's not police work. Police work is going out meeting the people, finding out their problems, learning who the bad guys are, beating the bushes, not calling them on the phone and telling them there is nothing they can do. "BULLCRAP". The new sheriff needs to have his own administration & get the department back into the "black". James came in and spent a hell-uva lot of money, putting the sheriff's dept. budget in the "red" for the first time in many, many years. "Cayce Mafia", somebody knows what he is talking about. James wants to make his own little empire. I think he bit off more than he can chew. Hell, Cayce wouldn't even hire him back.

[Anonymous]

Cutter2377,

You are correct about a new Sheriff hiring and firing but I think you have to remember that, logistically, you can't fire everyone and from the times I have met Mr. Harrison I get the impression he's not going to "clean house" but like you stated he would have to bring a new administration with him and I would think that would involve loyal employees from the current Staff and body. I remember when Leon Lott took over Richland County he only released maybe 15-16 people. I have noticed a lot of synergy and similiarities between Sheriff Lott and Mr. Harrison, I see the potential in his election. I think that having a real cop in the Sheriff's position is a plus because he has spent his career doing what others have just viewed from their desk.

I don't really know James, other than what I hear amongst other Law Enforcement and they seem to agree with you. I hear they are trying to phase him out because Metts let him take over while he persued other "things", whatever that means! Everbody is pretty tight lipped about the Sheriff's Department and I hear they, meaning the top Brass, are spending a lot of time trying to discredit Harrison, just "good 'ol boy politics! Guy is a "cop's cop" as far as I am concerned!

[cutter2377]

Harrison want clean house. There are a lot of good cops there. Harrison will clean out Captains & up, staff members. James put the department in the fix it is in now, low morale, in the red. I really don't think Metts realizes all James has done to bring down a department that once was a model for all sheriff departments nationwide. I feel sorry for the guys working their butts off & not getting the recognition they deserve. James is out for one person & one person only, but Metts let him do it. Harrison on the other hand would make a lot of changes, not in the way the law is enforced, but in a way that will enable the men & women at the department to be proud, once again, to be a member of a great department.

[heggas]

The men & women of the Lexington Co. Sheriff's Dept. are very loyal to Metts, they work at his pleasure. New sheriff can fire each & every one of them if he chooses. These are the front-line people who do the work; who put their life on the line everyday; then there's the high dollar computer "geeks" that sit at a computer all day doing statistics so a Captain can impress the Chief with numbers. It helps, but not any good if noone pays any attention to numbers by increasing patrols, doing stake-outs, saturation, road blocks, arrests & etc. That's not police work. Police work is going out meeting the people, finding out their problems, learning who the bad guys are, beating the bushes, not calling them on the phone and telling them there is nothing they can do. "BULLCRAP". The new sheriff needs to have his own administration & get the department back into the "black". James came in and spent a hell-uva lot of money, putting the sheriff's dept. budget in the "red" for the first time in many, many years. "Cayce Mafia", somebody knows what he is talking about. James wants to make his own little empire. I think he bit off more than he can chew. Hell, Cayce wouldn't even hire him back.

Let me introduce myself quickly, I was recently fired from the Sheriff's Deparment without merit. I have filed complaints with the Human Affairs Commision. Yes the Sheriff can fire at will but he must have merit and cannot fire on discrimination --- which is why I was fired. I was one of the computer geeks who reported those numbers to the Chief.

I agree that the Mett's administration is too "Brass Heavy". He has been told by repeatedly by the Lexington County Council to not create anymore "Brass" positions. He responded by creating more "Brass" positions. And many of those positions are held by the "Cayce Mafia". James is creating his own empire but he's not the only one. And as far as the loyalty of his men and women -- I think it's better to say that they are loyal to the people of Lexington County. Many -- many would like to see Larry Harrison win the election because Harrison remembers what police work truelly is.

[Anonymous]

It is beyond time for a change in the Sheriff's Department. This is a great need that should have been done a LONGGGGGGG time ago. I know from personal experience, the current Sheriff is full of hot air. Let me take you back to a certain occasion in the 80's when Sherry Smith and Debra Mae Helmick (please forgive any mispelling of the names, it is the bottom line of the story which is the most important.) were abducted by Larry Gene Bell. Our so called Sheriff claimed to be so deeply involved in the matter, as if he did all of the work. Well I know he DID NOT. It was NOT simply him that caught Larry Gene Bell. My dad was a State Trooper and worked many, many, many long hours searching for that maniac. The FBI, the Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Sheriff's deputies were searching to the best of their capabilites. And who was sitting behind his desk. Yes, you said it, Jimmy Metts. Just as in every other major situation, he took all the credit for the cases which were solved.

My question is why is he continuously being re-elected? Oh that's right, he is part of the MAFIA, the Lexington County Organized Crime Boss.

It does not surprise me at all that the morale of the deputies is so low. Why should they feel confident? If they do something that is commendable, Jimmy Metts takes all of the credit. I tilt my hat to all of those who stick it out under this man.

Please everyone, vote for anyone but Jimmy Metts.

[Anonymous]

I was just wondering about something. When someone adds time to their timecard , time that they didn't actually work, does that "merit" someone being terminated? I was just wondering cause I thought that was called stealing, not discrimination. Well, that's not true, I guess it would be discriminating against thieves. Nevermind. You go girl! How's that complaint coming along? Keep us updated.

[Anonymous]

Metts punches a time card? Is that part of the CALEA requirements? Who knew? No wonder he never gets out to campaign.

[Anonymous]

This last guy was a imposter. PLease sir, don't slur the good name of Roscoe P. Coltrane. You will confuse the children.

[Anonymous]

postmaster general, what has this got to do with what we are talking about????

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I was speaking to Heggas and her claim that she was fired without merit.

[Anonymous]

General, let’s just accept what you are saying, and implying, about Heggas is true. I don’t doubt that it is. She probably fudged on her time card. She was called in and dismissed. However, was this really the right way to handle this particular situation? I don’t think so. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that she was having trouble managing her time and in an effort to help herself traded one problem for another. One thing does seem to be sure; she received the harshest punishment possible for her infraction. None of her supervisors were apparently interested enough to really get to the bottom of the problem or give her a little understanding and guidance when she needed it most.

And just who were the people who were in a position to help this woman, but decided to kick her out into the parking lot instead?

Could he have been a Sheriff who shakes his employees down for money?

Could he have been a Sheriff who commits lewd acts?

Could he be a Sheriff who accepts full time pay while doing a part time job?

Could he be a Chief Deputy who goes off to an Ivy League college and continues to draw his pay as though he were on the job?

Could it be a Sheriff who invites individuals not employed by the department to travel at the department’s expense to “neat” meetings in the Rocky Mountains?

Could it be a Sheriff who forgets that the county has a new courthouse and fails to properly plan for it?

Could he be a Sheriff who uses county gas to travel down to Charleston to teach a class or whatever?

What I am driving at is this, General; the Sheriff and the Chief Deputy have shaved enough off the county for their personal use to dwarf whatever Heggas may have gained by fudging her time card. We won’t get into what the bungling of resources and padding the budget has costs us.

Now, the Sheriff and Chief Deputy, who had no time at all for Heggas, want us to look the other way when it comes to their failures, transgressions, and money squandering. Heggas received her punishment, warranted or not, and is going to have to live with it.

June 8th, Jimmy and Timmy will get their haircut from the voters and they will have to learn to live with the decision as well.

[heggas]

My complaint with the Human Affairs Commision was decided back in January -- the same time my husband was activated to fight in the war on terrorism. I decided not to pursue the case anymore because I needed to be with my husband and family.

For the record, I did not fudge on my timecard. I wrote only what my supervisor wanted me to write.

June 8th --- you can bet I'll be voting
Semper Fi!

[Anonymous]

Yea, yea, yea. I already voted, so I guess I cancelled yours if you actually do vote.

[Anonymous]

I wonder how many Marines are going to put up with a Sheriff' who mistreats the wife of a brother Marine who has been activated for combat. You might want to go back and try to vote again, I have a feeling that she has more friends than you do.

Her story is not a big secret

Semper Fi!

[Anonymous]

She might if she used the "extra" money she got from padding her time card to take her "freinds" to dinner!

[Anonymous]

There once was a fella named Larry.
He put something somewhere quite hairy.
He got caught by Jimmy,
got fired by Timmy
Now won't screw with nothing that's married!


See you all Tuesday suckers!

[Anonymous]

YEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!! The stench of desperation!

[Anonymous]

There once was a crotch grabber named Jimmy,
Who screwed up and hired Timmy,
Who fired people at will,
ran up a big budget bill,
And now it’s the voters who will fire Jimmy!

[Anonymous]

What kind of executive management experience does Harrison or Brazelle have? ANSWER: NONE.

Did anyone check out the State News Editorial Page today (Saturday)? It seems that after interviewing the three candidates, looking at their accomplishments, and their shortcomings, the editorial board and The State Newspaper endorsed Sheriff Metts. Check it out for yourself.

I believe the title is:

"METTS BEST GOP CHOICE TO SERVE AS LEXINGTON SHERIFF".

tick...tick...tock

[Anonymous]

Being endorsed by The State Paper is..


THE KISS OF DEATH



Too bad for Jimmy. When you read the article it is actually negative on Metts and seems to be promoting Larry Harrison.

See you at the polls on Tuesday!
[/b]

[Anonymous]

You've got to be kidding! How do read that and think that it it somehow supportive of Harrison?

If you believe crap like that, it is no surprise that you believe "your man" has any chance at winning public office. Get real.