Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

letter to the editor:

Take a stand, local law enforcement

Federal agencies such as the BLM have considered themselves superior and nonresponsive to local law enforcement for the past 30 years or so. The superiority complex is a shared feeling enjoyed by all federal agencies because, well, hey, they represent the federal government!

BLM conduct was atrocious during the Bundy Ranch roundup. BLM officials blocked a county highway and attempted to control citizen movement on public roadways and lands not in their jurisdiction. Then they whined like mules when confronted by so-called armed militia. They clearly were not trained and were incapable of handling a simple situation that became a cause of celebration for people interested in preserving the rights of citizens against government overreach.

The sheriffs in Utah are finally recognizing that, as the top elected law enforcement officials in their counties, they have a say in the conduct of overaggressive wannabe cops in federal agencies. They and their deputies are also sworn to protect the citizens of the county. This was something that should have come to the attention of Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie. He had jurisdiction during the Bundy siege, but he relinquished his authority out of fear of the big, bad federal government.

It is time the citizens’ law enforcement did their job and protect and enforce the law, regardless of who believes they are exempt. Local law enforcement began long before federal, and there is a reason for that. In my 29 years of experience as a deputy and sergeant in L.A. County, I generally found that most feds wouldn’t know a crook unless he slapped them upside the head. Stand your ground, sheriffs.

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