- April 18, 2024
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Cops are not prosecutors
Dear Editor:
As a registered Independent, I read with interest your article on the candidates running for office. I was however, in disbelief when I read the article concerning Jim Manfre, who is running for sheriff. Ironically, in the "Call for Back up" segment of your article, Manfre is asked how he is qualified to be sheriff, due to his background in law, rather than law enforcement.
If your article is accurate, Manfre responded: Unfortunately, Mr. Fleming has no concept of what a prosecutor is. ... There is no difference between a patrol officer and a prosecutor. I was sheriff for four years — that was law enforcement experience whether he likes it or not.”
That statement is a slap in the face to anyone that has donned a uniform, climbed into their patrol car and used his or her radio to declare themselves in service.
I don't know Sheriff Fleming. I have seen him once in the six years I have lived in Flagler County. I'm not involved in his reelection campaign. But, I did spend 26 years of my life in law enforcement. Patrol officers throughout this country go to work every day knowing that they are risking their lives for the citizens they serve. They don't get paid a lot despite what the public perception is. In fact, they forgo many things the average citizen takes for granted. Knowing they face these risks, they still report for duty every day. It takes a very special person to do this day in and day out.
Never in my time did I observe a prosecutor responding to cover me when the smoke cleared, either from gunfire or fists flying. A patrol cop risks his or her life every day. A prosecutor is a lawyer.
Dennis Lynch
Palm Coast
Editor’s Note: Normally, we don’t publish letters about specific candidates. But this letter is more about an election issue than a personal statement about a candidate, so here it is. As a courtesy, we also gave Manfre a rebuttal, which is as follows:
“The larger point I was referring to in my interview with The Observer was that in order for the criminal justice system to work effectively to minimize crime and its effects on the public, patrolmen and women, prosecutors, probation officers, Department of Children and Families investigators, clerks, judges, Teen Court representatives and mental health employees all must work cooperatively.
“In this system, each has equally a valuable role to play. As someone who has investigated cases in the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City and patrolled the streets of Flagler County as sheriff, I understand the inherent risks of those who pursue a law enforcement career. I have been shot at in my vehicle on my way to a witness’ residence in a crime-ridden neighborhood in New York, threatened by a person who I have pulled over in a routine traffic stop in Flagler County and had an irate defendant show up at my home while I was a prosecutor in Suffolk County, N.Y.
So, I have first-hand experience with the risks of being employed in the criminal justice system. Unlike the present sheriff, who was a police chief in a small town in New Jersey, I have a greater vision and understanding of the entire criminal justice system because of these experiences. I honor and value the service of all those who work to keep all citizens safe in our homes, offices and in our streets.”
— Jim Manfre, candidate for sheriff
