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A new sheriff in Hillsborough

 
Published Jan. 5, 2005|Updated Aug. 24, 2005

For the first time in a decade, a new sheriff has taken office in Hillsborough County. A lot has changed since 1992. Hillsborough's population has grown by a third, to 1.1-million. The older suburbs are crowded, taking on urban problems, while new ones continue to expand. Law enforcement is grappling with a language barrier widened by an increase in Spanish-speaking residents. There are more demands from schools and troubled families, residents with mental problems are creating new risks on the street and the very concept of public safety has broadened since the 9/11 attacks.

David Gee takes over at a time the county is experiencing its fastest growth in a generation. He is well-prepared, having served in every major capacity _ from hostage negotiator and homicide detective to supervisor of internal affairs _ during his 26 years at the Sheriff's Office. Gee, 45, was second in command to his predecessor, Cal Henderson, who also rose to the job as the inside candidate. His institutional ties give Gee credibility both inside and outside the department, and his wide involvement with a range of civic groups gives him a broad perspective of the county, its people and problems.

Gee should use these strengths to build on Henderson's positive legacy. Henderson shaped his office to meet the evolving threats to public safety, from drugs and gangs to juvenile crime; he understood the value that came from being a visible front man in the community. Being accessible to the public will enable Gee to see not only what works, but what doesn't and what is needed. The public needs to see the sheriff more than every four years, and the sheriff needs to hear feedback outside his chain of command.

Gee has begun to address several growth-related problems. His plans to improve training for dealing with the mentally ill and to recruit more Spanish-speaking deputies are forward-thinking measures that will better protect his officers and the public. The abuses that took place during the Aisenberg missing-baby case should prompt Gee to routinely review the office's investigative standards. He also needs to enforce discipline; the professionalism he stands for will be defined by individual deputies on the street. Gee should use his office to protect society in a way that inspires confidence.