By John Woodrow Cox, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
BROOKSVILLE — Less than a month into his new job, Sheriff Al Nienhuis has reorganized the agency to save thousands of dollars and streamline operations.
The sheriff did not, however, demote any officers, and he called layoffs "very unlikely."
"The last thing I want to do is contribute to the unemployment that's already here," he said, referring to Hernando County's double-digit jobless rate. "It would not be a good thing to do layoffs."
Among the most significant changes, which take effect immediately: Nienhuis cut back on the agency's crime reduction system, STARCOM, and he will voluntarily forfeit the agency's state accreditation.
Giving up the once-lauded state endorsement doesn't mean the agency will relax its standards, Nienhuis said.
The move will just free up deputies for what he believes are more important duties. Up to now ...