SHERIFF ASKS TO DOWNGRADE OFFICER RANK AT DEPARTMENT

 
Special to El Rrun-Rrun

He's doing it again, Ma!

Remember when newly-elected Cameron County Sheriff Eric Garza "appointed" Robert Gracia as his chief deputy, even though he was not a certified peace officer and was not qualified for the position according to the county's Human Resources requirements?

The remember when he allowed Gracia to subject all department employees to apply for their positions and submit all their personal information for his review even though he was not even a county employee?

Gracia required – on threat of termination – all department personnel to be present during the January 1 ceremony to swear in Garza, including those who were off duty. He issued the order December 31, even before Garza was sheriff or he was a county employee.

It would be until March that Gracia was able to pass – after a few tries – the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and he was officially hired as chief deputy. Eight other applicants were not even interviewed or considered.

Now Garza – who criticized former sheriff Omar Lucio for alleged "compadrismo" during the political campaign – is asking the commissioners court that he allowed to change the requirements of captain from civil service to non-civil so he can...you guessed it, place his compadre Silverio Cisneros in the position following the announced retirement of Javier Reyna.

Why "Silver"?

In a nutshell, pure politics, just like the methods criticized by Garza of the former administration. Twice Cisnerso ran for constable, and twice the voters turned him down.

Even more serious is the fact that he has not even completed the Field Training Officer (FTO) program required of lower-level employees who earn the right to an opportunity to the officer ranks. 

A field training officer taking the FTO Program is part of a good selection process. Every deputy that gets hired is required to go through a FTO program that normally takes three months depending how the deputy reacts to it.  It is a test within the selection process. A good test is both credible and job related. They get taught department policy, radio 10 codes, and how to respond to calls.

A good FTOP reduces civil legislation alleging negligent hiring and retention of trainees. It is a cost-effective way of eliminating non-effective, non-productive personnel. Like, for example, Cisneros.

In fact, the reason Garza wants to remove the civil service requirements for the captain's position is because Cisneros hasn't been able to pass the county's civil service exam and is still an at-will employee.

Will the commissioners court approve the request? 

If they do, consider what the impact to the already low morale at the department. Whenever a captain retires, it gives other personnel at the department (lieutenants, sergeants, etc.) an opportunity for career advancement all down the line. Yet, instead of giving the captain's position to someone who has demonstrated knowledge of department policies or procedures, Garza wants the commissioners court to let him put his compadre in charge.

He's doing it again, Ma!