TIME FOR JUDGES TO GET INVOLVED

We have a very disturbing local situation that suggests some armed
law enforcement personnel need continuing education in their
understanding of what it means to work in a free society. I have
received numerous complaints suggesting a rising trend of
unprofessional police behavior and abuse.

The tragedy concerning the Rev. Jonathan Ayers cries out for decisive
and firm corrective action. Many citizens are demanding prosecution of
the shooter. This case may present an opportunity to apply
"Restorative Justice," although the victim's family must be the last
word on such an alternative. Restorative justice is gaining favor for
consideration by a judicial system that many see as broken.

Citizenship often involves correcting imbalances when we see them. I
fully understand that law officers can have short tempers considering
the challenges they face on a daily basis, as my own grandfather was
an FBI agent and my father, a NYC police officer. However,
professional courtesy must be the strict rule for law enforcement
activity in the community. When courtesy is breached, we expect those
responsible to take corrective action.

I want to add, in the nine months since Habersham County Sheriff Joey
Terrell has been in office, he has shown to have a firm handle on his
office and the behavior of his deputies. Sheriff Terrell is an example
of law enforcement at its very best.

However, a general decline in local police behavior may suggest the
need for asking our elected judges to step up to the plate regarding
law enforcement abuses which are becoming too common. From my
observation, local judges wield the greatest influence to reverse
deteriorating law officer behavior standards. To argue otherwise is to
pass the buck.

We have all heard the saying that all politics is local; and it seems
that community concerns about rising officer abuse is a local issue
within each judicial district. Judgeship is a very high elective
calling. Therefore, I call on all the non-partisan judges of this
superior court district, including the magistrate judges and state
court judges, to convene a standing review panel made up of non-law
enforcement members to address reported concerns from every citizen of
this judicial district about law officer abuse.

The tragedy concerning the Rev. Ayers cries out for definitive
judicial action to curb a disturbing trend.

George Preston Birchby, chairman

Habersham County Democratic Party

Demorest