The first Snowflake-Taylor Police Department (STPD) listening session drew a small group of people, but it was successful.
STPD Chief Larry Scarber met with citizens March 30 to hear their concerns, comments, criticisms and suggestions. He didn’t bring an agenda, but did have a pen and paper to make notes that will be shared with his officers.
Scarber began the evening by thanking citizen Steve Foster, who had approached him with the idea of meeting with the people. Scarber noted that these listening sessions will be held quarterly at the Taylor-Snowflake Fire & Medical Department stations. The next session will be held at Station 2 in Snowflake.
Foster said he had only one comment, and recalled an old sheriff who patrolled in the Pinetop/Lakeside area. He would get in touch with the public by getting out of his car and walking around and talking to local residents. Because he was known by the locals, he received many calls from them.
Chief Scarber often walks through Bashas’, Ed’s IGA and Walmart to meet and talk with people. He also said they are welcome to call or come by the police station to visit with him.
“One thing I thought we needed to discuss with you is how we feel about things and how your officers feel about things,” said Foster. “Some of the things they’ve done maybe aren’t quite right; we don’t know why and would like to know more about policy.”
Scarber acknowledged that in the police community there is a mentality that has grown over the years, stating, “It’s called a warrior mentality…It’s survival.” He went on to say that there is a “they versus us” mentality, and explained that “officers who are very impressionable in the academy get that from day one, and it leaves a mark.
“There’s a move we’re working on fostering in Navajo County, it’s the ‘guardian mentality,’” said the chief.
“The attitude comes from the top, that attitude is however you want to make it, and it’s going to filter down that way,” said Taylor Councilman David Smith, noting that he has seen a change since Chief Scarber came to the community. “I see him around, I see him visiting. He’s done a wonderful job as far as leadership goes. Little things like that are important.”
“Sometimes the public doesn’t think they’re (police officers) paying attention to them,” said Foster. “PR needs to be out there, straight talk, no BS or anything like that.”
Scarber said that the department has a Facebook page citizens can visit. Like and follow the page, and you will get updates of what is going on in the department. They recently started posting warrants. They also give information to the local newspapers.
Mike Neff said he came to listen and get to know Chief Scarber, noting he has gotten information on the chief through the newspaper. He asked what Scarber’s relationship was with Navajo County Sheriff KC Clark.
Scarber said he has a good relationship with the sheriff and other police chiefs in the White Mountains.
“What’s your feeling on having a specifically focused employee for the department?” asked Neff.
“We don’t have the manpower here,” responded Scarber, noting that he has applied for a grant and hopes to have a school resource officer.
“On tickets, where does that money go?” asked Smith.
“I believe traffic enforcement saves lives,” said Scarber, explaining that the money goes to county funds. “I think it’s good, because there’s no incentive,” he further explained, noting that the STPD doesn’t write a lot of tickets. “I don’t believe in it (citations) for revenue, but I do for public safety,” stating that if you are stopped for a violation repeatedly, then you will receive a citation.
Neff asked what Scarber’s position is on water rights, and gave the example of the federal government stopping everyone who has water through the Silver Creek Irrigation District from using that water for a period of time. Neff explained that he owned the land and the water, because he had paid for it.
Neff asked what Scarber would do if the feds stepped in and charged him for trespassing because he had irrigated his land that was drying up, but when the feds came he wanted to turn himself in to the sheriff.
“I’m here to keep the peace,” said the chief, explaining that he would make a call and get permission to drive Neff to the sheriff’s office to turn himself in.
Scarber said he had been with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and knew mileposts, but he had never given any thought to water rights. He thanked Neff for bringing it up and said he would look into it.
The evening wrapped up with a question from Smith about how law enforcement gets along with the fire department.
“Law enforcement and fire don’t always get along really well; sometimes we have competing demands,” responded Scarber. “I’m happy to say that Clint (Burden, fire chief) and Bill (Nelson, assistant fire chief) and I get along great. We’re good friends on and off duty. They’re good people.”
The next Listening Session will be held in June at TSFMD Station 2 in Snowflake. Watch the STPD Facebook page and the newspaper for the date and time.
