Response Times Worry Deputies, Sheriff Says 1A Needs To Pass

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Posted: 10:53 PM Nov 2, 2008
Last Updated: 11:21 PM Nov 2, 2008
Reporter: Lauri Martin
Email Address: lmartin@kktv.com

31 comments

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Something we've talked a lot about is El Paso County's budget crisis. Initiative 1A on the ballot is supposed to be the answer. It’s a one-cent sales tax increase that would generate $75-million for the county.

Sheriff Terry Maketa said if it doesn't pass, deputy response times to emergencies could double, even triple. He said right now, the average response time is 20 minutes.

We decided to see for ourselves. 11 News rode along with a Deputy Jeff Schulz.

A few minutes into his shift, he’s searching a car for drugs in Cimarron Hills. Then, there is an emergency in Peyton. A man was threatening suicide, telling 911 operators that cops will have to take him down. Deputy Schulz pushes 90 miles an hour to get there.

“They say I'll cover you as soon as I can get there. It’s a frightening situation because you know when you get there, there may not be another deputy to help you out, but you can't leave person who needs help," said Schulz.

The man turned out the man in the house is ok. "It took us 30 minutes to get to that call.”

On this night, there are seven deputies on the streets. They're covering the entire county, 1,800 square miles of it.

"Right now, 12 calls are pending for service. That means those are people waiting for a response from us." In some cases, it's been over two hours that calls have gone unanswered. That’s also how long it took us to get to Black Forest. Someone called to report a suspicious car driving around the neighborhood.

Deputy Schulz is then called out for a hit and run suspect on the loose in Security.

“You can average 300 miles per shift." It took about 25 minutes to arrive. That’s too long, according to Schulz.

Sheriff Maketa said these response times are expected to get longer if initiative 1A fails. He may have to cut back, meaning only three deputies patrol the streets, instead of seven.

Those who oppose this initiative say it's an unacceptable level of taxation. Senator Andrew McElhany said county commissioners don't need more money. “I think they should take the $230 million budget have today and set priorities for wildland fire and public safety,” said McElhany.

He also said that this is a terrible time to ask for a tax increase.

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Posted by: john Location: huntz on Nov 14, 2008 at 09:33 AM
In response to Anno another person affraid to give their name. If you would like to see how I do my job on the road, come ask for a ride along just dont close your eyes when things get rough and I have to go stop people from harming one another. It is not a police officers job to sit and watch two people harm one another no matter what they are charged with. I protect those in my custody as stated in my job description. So if it was your way, I guess I would let a murder beat on you until it was safe to cuff him? I dont think so. I would protect you even though u spit on my name and my profession. Thank you but I will continue to put my life on the line for the citizens no matter race creed or obnoxious thought processes.

Posted by: anno on Nov 10, 2008 at 10:46 PM
well the true leadership is about to come out. Maketa and his lack of leadership is going to cost us more than 1 percent. Huntz I bet you never spent one day on the road. If you had road experience you would let the two murders fight then cuff both. Please Recall now

Posted by: John Location: Colo Springs on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:45 AM
First, if you are not educated on what an EPSO Deputy goes through day to day, go for a ride along. Go see that we do, its not easy and its not all tickets and drugs. The Sheriff and staff are the best management I have seen in a long time. If you think you can manage the money better, send Maketa an e-mail as he has asked if anyone can prove him wrong about not having enough funding. As far as scare tactics, well for the citizens, I would be. As for the deputies, I have never felt better since Maketa took over. When I started, I walked in a ward made for 42 men. On my 3rd week, I had to fight two murders in this same ward packed with over 120 felons by myself. Terry Maketa stated "I will not let you deal with unsafe conditions like that again". It is very possible the only reason why a Deputy is not dead is because of Maketa and his staff. last point, if you want to bash on people, stand up and give your name. I am John Huntz, feel free to contact with questions

Posted by: Tiffany Location: Colo Spgs on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Coming from a 911 dispatcher,I can tell you that deputies dont just waste time pulling people over instead of going to emergency calls. They save lives by getting dui's off the street that could possibly kill you or your family. I am the one that answers the phone when someone is calling and screaming for help, it is a horrible feeling having to tell someone my deputy is 20 minutes away when there house is being robbed or someone was just stabbed. These calls require a 2 deputy response. This doesn't always happen. There are many calls my deputies take on their own. Though we may not have had an deputy killed, that doesn't mean they are not out there getting hurt trying to protect you. It is sad to think about people voting no on 1A. If you spend 200 dollars a month on things OTHER than gas, groceries, utilities, food, and rent/mortgage, than all you contributed was 2 dollars towards public safety. Nobody truly realizes how bad it will be until they are the victim!

Posted by: Joe Location: Colo Springs on Nov 5, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Mary...CiCi Benefiel was murdered in her own home. She was not on duty as you state. She had come home and was found in her house...she was not on duty. You are right about Hugh Martin. That was tragic but just like a soldier in the military, it is a chance you take when you become a deputy or officer and take the oath. No one wants anyone in any situation to be hurt or killed. Hopefully the sheriff's dept is trained to take calls by priority. They do a fine job as it is. No one wants to be threatened in order to get more money for the sheriff's dept. I think there are ways Maketa could encourage people to want to give to help the mission of the ElPaso Sheriff's Dept. Maketa needs to be replaced or show the community a way he will try to help the citizens with what he has. I would sacrifice to give to the cause if I felt it was going to make it better. Right now is a terrible time to ask for money but I think people will if we know it isn't going to line the sheriff's pockets.

Posted by: Citizen Location: CS on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:40 PM
This story should have run a week ago. Or two. CSPD and EPSO funding is tied to sales tax, which are drastically down. There needs to be a more consistent source of funding for both. Too late now (?)

Posted by: mary Location: teller county on Nov 4, 2008 at 07:59 PM
To Mr. Stack Location: Unfortunately you are misinformed - There have have been El Paso County Sheriff's deputies killed in the line of duty - Hugh Martin and CiCi Benefiel - I am wondering if you lived in an unincorporated area and had an emergency if you would be responding in the same manner - you might want to get educated!

Posted by: Richard Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 4, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Never should taxes be increased when an economy is in a state of depression. Why increase the sales tax. that would cause even more smaller businesses to go under. If sheriff's deputies would stop pulling people over for frivilous traffic infractions and respond to calls holding maybe they could get caught up on the calls and improve response times.

Posted by: Stack Location: C/S on Nov 4, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Hoover I guess it depends on what your definition of a man is. No sheriff has been killed in El Paso county, they were CSPD, also it's hard to be killed in the line of duty when you are not out there. Please do not compare yourselves with CSPD'S finest. If Maketa had taken the time to educate the community instead trying to bully he may have obtained additional support from the community. The sheriff's office does not service all areas and it was deceptive to imply they do. Many people lose trust when issues are not addressed clearly and accurately. What are the roles of Maketa and the deputies? Are they considered to be genuine law enforcement? How do they benefit the community? I agree, Recall!

Posted by: imvotingyes Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:57 PM
All I have to say is that you can vote yes or no, but its only going to affect YOU. when crime rates triple over one cent a dollar, I will be the one on the corner with a sign that says "I TOLD YOU SO". I hope, for your and my sake, that day never comes. I hope that when you are the victim of a crime you dont have to be prioritized because others were too selfish to vote yes. I hope one day society realizes money isn't everything. I would pay any price to ensure the safety of myself, my family, my friends, my COUNTY, and the safety of those who are willing to risk their lives, to protect and serve mine and yours. I just wish everyone else could say the same. You can't put a price on safety. All they are asking for is your support. obviously, IM VOTING YES

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:40 PM
The sheriff isn't educating anyone. He is stating that if we don't pass 1A then it's our fault that response times are worse. All we ask is that he come up with a solution and quit being nothing more than a political pretty man. Look at the sheriff's record...every deputy is afraid of the sheriff and stays out of his way unless you are one of his buddies. Talk is cheap...prove to us you can do your job with what you have. If we felt he was on the communities side,then we wouldn't hesitate to give more to feel safe. Nothing has happened with this sheriff to make us feel safer. 1A is probably needed but we need to feel it will make a difference if it is passed. The sheriff seems too comfortable and in the long run I don't think he cares if it passes cause his paycheck won't suffer. Bottom line, do the job you were elected to do. Given the resources you have, prove to us you have a "real" plan without threats! Jessica, you say good things but money is not the only answer.

Posted by: Justin Location: Briargate on Nov 4, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I am voting YES on 1A. Because I have read through the entire proposal, and see no reason not to. The people who are voting no, are the ones that want all the benefit of the PUBLIC SERVICE that the county and city police offer, but do not want to pay for it. If you vote no, you are saying it is okay for 400 inmates of CJC to be released onto the streets of your city and county. If you vote no you are doing away with child protective services. There could no longer be school resource officers. Do you really want to put your children in a situation, where they would have to wait for response in the event of the unthinkable. I sure don't. ALL OF IT GOES TO PROTECT, AND SERVE THE PUBLIC. YOU ARE THE PUBLIC, THIS IS FOR YOU. The reason for slow response times is that they are already under staffed. 1A will help. They will be able to hire more officers which will fight the slowing response times, and get them back to where they should be. Support those, who support you! and VOTE YES ON 1A

Posted by: Anon Location: CS on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:38 AM
It's amazing how many people think that 1A is just about the Sheriffs Office, it's about raising the County Taxes because the El Paso County Commisioners made some bad choices for allocating the budget to where it needs to go and went over $46 million in the hole in less than 1 year. Nobody should be blaming EPSO or any other agency except for the County Commisioners on this one. They should all be recalled and should get people in there that will get the funding to the right agencies! The money is all there, but went to places like the DA's $40,000 SUV and other unnecessary cars for county employees!

Posted by: Jessica Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Fear tactics? What the sheriff is doing is EDUCATING. He wants you to know what will happen. Each and every item he lists is a FACT. Response times are an issue with police now, but they will be even WORSE if 1A doesn't pass. Its not just the sheriff's office, City police are stretched too thin as well. Did you know the fire fighters are barely making their 8 minute response time? over 8 minutes! when your posessions and home are burning to the ground. Everyone is complaining saying this is not the right time. IT IS THE ONLY TIME. If we let this continue, things will only deteriorate. WHY would the sheriff tell his deputies to be slow? he is SWORN TO PROTECT US. He isn't going to sugar coat what he is saying. Take the time to read through the entire thing. The tax will not help his salary. It is all going to help the citizens of El Paso County. I know WE "CAN'T AFFORD" 1A NOT PASSING. You will need the police one day. YES ON 1A! www.voteyeson1A.com. read the facts. make the right choice

Posted by: Hopeful Location: Security on Nov 4, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Anonymous mentions two deputies contacting a person on a bike and thinks that is a waste of resource yet he/she doesn't know the reason for the contact. Was the person was a domestic violence suspect, maybe wanted on a felony warrant or maybe himself a victim of a crime and the deputies were helping him?? You pass judgement without knowing the circumstances...this makes you uncredible and less than informed. BJ says to expand CSPD. What is he talking about? The Sheriff's Office is responsible for unincorporated El Paso County, CSPD is not because they are CITY police not COUNTY police. Robert, the response time to Security has nothing to do with the substation closing, there are simply not enough deputies to handle all the calls for service in the county. VOTE YES ON 1A, if you vote no then don't whine if you need a cop and don't get one!

Posted by: Lee Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Please know that 1A is a regional issue. This will help the county and the cities within it. I find it amazing how many people talk about the Sheriff and know they have NO IDEA what they are talking about. Before you throw out negative comments, do your homework. Response times are slow because the workload has tripled in recent years. Stop speaking poorly of the deputies who put their lives on the line to respond to your calls for help and keep murders away from your family. VOTE YES ON 1A and SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY!!!! For once.

Posted by: David Location: El Paso County on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:20 AM
No, 1A is NOT just about law enforcement. It's about County spending overall. The County Commissioners need to earn some respect from the community they're chartered to serve first, then perhaps we'll be more willing to reconsider their budget, and the Sheriff is only one part of that. But they don't have that repect from the majority of us . . .

Posted by: Hoover Location: CS on Nov 4, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Maketa is the man. Recall your whiny selves.

Posted by: Joe Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Ben, why are you defending the way it is? CSPD had 2 line of duty deaths not the sheriff's dept. What makes you think if we give more money...it will make it better? Leadership is the problem. I agree about the deputies being afraid of him. I'd like to see Maketa show us that he honestly cares about the citizens and uses what he has to make it better...what has he done? Threaten is his way of management and getting what he wants. I would give more money if I felt what has been used in the past showed improvement...but all we hear now is complaining and threatening us with deputies being layed off and closing wards in the jail...also response time issues. Nothing will change if he gets more money...and not sure...but I thought I heard they received a grant from someone and I wonder what will happen with that money...it has never been mentioned again...but they did get it recently. Ben, we just want good leadership and proof our money is being spent to help the citizens of ElPaso County

Posted by: Ben Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 4, 2008 at 08:25 AM
1A is not all about the Sheriffs Office. It is about law enforcement as a whole in our community. WE HAD 2 LINE OF DUTY DEATHS IN COLORADO SPRINGS 2 YEARS AGO!! Those men put their lives on the line to protect the community. Had there been more funding for law enforcement maybe one of them might not have had to confront an armed suspect alone. It is a shame that there is no law enforcement support for our community and you expect these men and women to go out and put their lives on the line every day for YOU! 1A is a step in the right direction for a safer community! It will take one of you or your family members being a victim of crime before you bad mouth law enforcement again when you had the power during this election to make a change in our community! VOTE YES ON 1A!!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Security on Nov 4, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Reponse time has always been to slow and more tax money won't make them move any faster. Last Sat.on 85-87 2 deputy cars had a guy on a bike (not motor) stopped. What a waste of our tax dollars. I'm voting NO on 1A.

Posted by: Watcher Location: CS on Nov 4, 2008 at 06:42 AM
I watched Sheriff Maketa on news 11 this a.m. and a light went on. As I see him sitting in a arm chair not sitting up but slouched I realized he did not have the whereall or professionalism to participate in a informative conversation in regards initiative 1A. I also came to realize it appears this is the same manner in which the sheriff conducts business on a daily basis. He reminded me of an oaf in a suit in which he would use threats to manipulate a situation as reported by the comment below. Was he elected or appointed?

Posted by: Tommy Location: CS on Nov 3, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Maketa plus his staff of a group who are from the old school, should be ashame. They have been stealing from El Paso County for 5 plus years. Deputies are afaird of them. The reason of long response time...Sheriff told them to. he gave them a 6-10 percent raise earlier this year. They desire it. Maketa and staff is a joke. Recall Now

Posted by: Joe Location: CS on Nov 3, 2008 at 09:53 PM
People, Sheriff Maketa and his staff run the office by fear. The deputies have no voice. I am going to vote yes on 1A. Not for Maketa but for the men and women who puts themselves in harms way. Start the recall. Recall

Posted by: BJ Location: CS on Nov 3, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Isn't it all about power and control. If they do not improve quickly perhaps they should be phased out with new law enforcement put in their place, expand CSPD. What are the positives of Maketa, are there any?

Posted by: Tina on Nov 3, 2008 at 05:47 PM
I for one will be voting YES on 1A. I feel these people need more money. We expect them to be there when we need them now they are relying on us to be there for them. If it does not pass, then those who are crying about it now, don't whine later when you don't get a cop.

Posted by: Ben Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 3, 2008 at 04:37 PM
I don't think everybody realizes what will happen if 1A does not pass. Sure Maketa points out the potential negative points to citizens, but everybody needs to know what will happen if it does not pass. The cost of everything has gone upwhile the budget stays the same. You can only make a budget go so far. What do you want him to do? It is easy to sit back and blog negative comments about this issue instead of taking the whole issue into consideration. 1A is not only about the Sheriffs Office it is about ALL law enforcement in our community. The citizens are the only ones that can make this vote count to make our community safer. EVERYBODY VOTE YES ON 1A!!

Posted by: Robert Location: PPCC on Nov 3, 2008 at 04:33 PM
The reason why they had a 25 minute response time to get to Security is because they closed the two small branches down here when they had money. To have only 7 deputies on duty is asking for trouble. The only time I see a police car down in Widefield is for a traffic stop. Response times are going to be bad when you don't have enough officers out there, and you have them sit waiting to give out speeding tickets. They need to manage resources better, and don't send one officer around to act on calls.

Posted by: T.C. Location: CS on Nov 3, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Maketa needs to be replaced. Money doesn't matter, their response times have always seemed slow if even at all.

Posted by: Joe Location: Colorado Springs on Nov 3, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Sheriff Terry Maketa needs to quit complaining and threatening the citizens of Colorado Springs. He wants 1A to pass but instead of just giving the positive influence this initiative could have on the citizens, he threatens us with time issues and amount of officers he has to respond to calls etc. I think I would have more respect for the man if he would do what he was elected to do. Every manager,leader is charged with making things work with what they have. Terry Maketa makes me feel bad about what will happen if citizens don't vote for 1A. I think complaining and threatening citizens is not what our sheriff should be doing. He should figure ways to solve the problem with what he has and encourage citizens to vote. He turns me off immediately when I see or hear his name. He is elected to serve the El Paso County citizens and he should have had the credentials to take care of problems & issues the best he can. Initiative 1A can help the Sheriff's Dept. but quit threatening us!

Posted by: Michelle Location: Manitou Springs on Nov 3, 2008 at 08:10 AM
If Deputies and Officers werent making the DRUG WAR a priority, this wouldn't be an issue. $100 Billion/year is spent on the DRUG WAR nationwide-a huge waste of resources. According to State Representative Mike Merrifield, 50% of the people currently incarcerated in Colorado are NONVIOLENT DRUG OFFENDERS. This statistic alone shows where the focus of law enforcement lies. Nearly a million people were arrested last year for simple possession of marijuana nationwide. To learn more about the FAILURE of the DRUG WAR and to see ideas for more sensible policy that would lessen the incidence of DEATH, DISEASE, CRIME AND ADDICTION all made inherently worse by the DRUG WAR, go to: www.leap.cc LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION THANK YOU AND VOTE NO ON 1A. It's time the resources available are used more wisely and the fear tactics STOP!

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