Press release from the Humboldt Deputy Sheriffs Organization:

The Humboldt Deputy Sheriffs Organization (HDSO) is publicly releasing results of our internal survey of LEO and dispatch members.

Members were surveyed anonymously on various questions pertaining to job satisfaction, effectiveness, and perceptions of how to provide quality service to the community.

In general, HDSO members are satisfied with their work and their teams’ effectiveness, but they are frustrated by chronic understaffing, low wages relative to other agencies, and concerned about retaining experienced employees. Deputies also overwhelmingly desire more training, citing De-escalation and Interview and Interrogation as the most commonly needed areas. Multiple deputies also expressed frustration with the cell phone-based Body Cam system and requested a more robust upgrade.

In addition to multiple-choice questions, several written responses highlighted areas important to front-line staff. Some exact questions and their most common written responses were as follows.

What are the top three issues the HCSO faces now? In the next decade?

Most common answers: Staffing shortages, retention of experienced deputies, competitive benefits 

What tools or training would you prioritize to improve performance?

Most common answers: De-escalation training, Use of Force training, Interview and Interrogation training, and better Body Cams (non-cell phone based, continuous recording.) General request for more training was nearly universal.

If you could fix or improve one issue in the HCSO, what would it be?

Most common answers: Staffing shortages and competitive pay with other agencies

PDF attached of additional results.

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The HDSO is comprised of the rank and file deputies, investigators, dispatchers and probation department employees who work to keep our local communities, friends and neighbors safe.