Sheriff Rick Beseler refuses to accept Binding Arbitration

Okay, Sheriff Rick Beseler thinks it politically incorrect to agree to binding arbitration.  Obviously it is not legally incorrect because there are several agencies that already do have binding arbitration.  One need look no further than Duval County to find the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office enjoys this valuable protection.

Police officers and Deputy Sheriffs are not looking to protect dirty or lazy cops.  Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs are seeking guarantees that they won't be fired arbitrarily due to a bad Sheriff or Police Chief who wasn't there when the Officer/Deputy started their career and who may not be there when the Officer/Deputy retires from their career. 

It is important for Clay County citizens to know that over 235 members have either left or been forced to leave the Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Rick Beseler.  It is also important for Clay County citizens to know that some high ranking and very experienced members were fired because they made a comment Sheriff Rick Beseler simply did not like.  

Currently, if someone is fired for what a member feels is unjust, they can appeal the decision to the Sheriff (the guy that ultimately made the decision), some appeal.  Under Binding Arbitration, a member who is fired for what they believe to be an unjust case can appeal to a board that will have a binding decision on the Sheriff.

The truth is there are several Sheriffs that have already agreed to Binding Arbitration and they are professional organizations.  Sheriff Rick Beseler must understand that this office was here before he was elected and it will remain here after he is replaced.  Simply put, he is not trusted by 73% of the sworn members of the Sheriff's Office to make the right decision based on his example over the past 3 years.  The Sheriff's Office never felt the need for union protection before he became the Sheriff and they may not feel that need after he is replaced.  But, for now, they need help and wish the public to understand the truth.

It is important to remember, this is not a business.  It is government.  While in many respects government should be run like a business, this particular process is impossible to run like a business for this reason.  If a 12 year Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff is fired over politics or because the Sheriff had a bad day, what can he do?  Take his or her family to a new county and start brand new from the bottom at a new agency or start a new career in a new field.  You don't get to start with your 12 years of experience meaning anything in pay, seniority, or promotional eligibility.

Unlike the private sector where you don't have to start as a dishwasher everytime you change employers.  Your resume allows for placement in the organization based upon what you can negotiate. 

There are nine issues that have caused the impasse in the Deputy's negotiations with the Sheriff, who has refused to work with his own members. 

They are as follows:

Article 11: Grievance and Arbitration

Article 12: Discipline