Since the blog debuted, there have been several inquiries as to why comments are closed.  The purpose of this blog is to allow the Sheriff and her staff to express their ideas and thoughts about the Department and items of interest that may involve or affect the Department.  There are several other blogs where the public may comment on issues affecting this Department.

Because the Sheriff's Department is a public agency and may not censor speech protected by the First Amendment, we do not want to be in the position of having to determine whether every comment posted is protected by the First Amendment, or whether it may be libelous or simply viewed by our readers as vulgar or in poor taste.  In contrast, privately operated blogs may censor or remove items as they see fit.  If we were to allow comments, we would run the risk of either opening up the comments to everything, including comments that even a private blogger would not permit, or else shutting down the blog.  Therefore, our only options are to allow everything or allow nothing. Given the legal risks involved in censoring speech, we have determined, upon the advice of counsel, to not allow comments be posted directly on the blog.

While it was necessary for us to make this decision, it doesn't mean that we don't want to hear from our readers. This is why the "e-mail me" button is next to my picture. We want feedback - positive and negative - and we want to hear your ideas and opinions. Frankly, that's what makes the blog so interesting and fun to write. If you, as a sheriff's employee or a county resident or a reader from across the country, have an idea or a suggestion or a rant, send us an email. Who knows, you might just alert us to something we haven't thought about.