Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302805
of three things. Number one is the variety of issues we deal with – like pension plans, healthcare benefits, crime, homelessness, economic development and recreation. Number two is the complexity. Nothing is easy anymore. And number three, the sheer volume of work. It pours down like rain out of the ceiling. Crime and Law Enforcement JG: Was it the right move to consolidate law enforcement services under the sheriff's office? MAYOR: Yes, but it's still a work in progress. The sheriff has done a wonderful job of putting together two different groups and molding them into one effective team. JG: Although the actual number is debated, there's a significant manpower shortage in the department. MAYOR: Yes, it's much more difficult to be a law enforcement officer today. There's the danger, and they're not respected. Increasingly, when law enforcement stops someone for speeding, they don't know whether they're a drug dealer, someone who wasn't paying attention or a homicidal maniac. One of my most sobering moments was patting a deputy sheriff on the back and feeling the body armor under his shirt. When you put body armor on every day for work, it impacts your psyche. Dwindling numbers in law enforcement aren't only about money. It's also the risk. Law enforcement is more dangerous and less appreciated than ever before. And everyone is looking and watching. They can have an unblemished record, and then one incident – and boom. JG: Do you have any suggestions for attracting deputies? MAYOR: We must have an attractive workplace in the community, meaning appropriate compensation, good benefits and working conditions – and recognition. Internally, there must be an esprit de corps. An attractive workplace can trump salary. JG: How do you characterize the relationship between law enforcement in Macon-Bibb and the black community? MAYOR: Restless, bordering on tense. But I hasten to give Sheriff David Davis and his deputies a lot of credit for trying to keep the lines of communication open so if people have an issue, there is a process that's followed to determine the merits of the complaint and to take action if the officer was wrong. Having an effective system to report misconduct by a deputy has done a lot to ease the tension, which isn't to say there isn't underlying tension and restlessness, but I want to see it improve even beyond where it is now. JG: Generally speaking, do you think there's mistrust between law enforcement and the black community? MAYOR: I wouldn't say mistrust, I would say skepticism is a better word. They're skeptical if they're going to be treated fairly, treated the same or subject to additional scrutiny. That falls under the larger umbrella of white privilege. Some African- Americans feel that they're watched more closely in a store by employees than white patrons, and feel they're being selectively watched because they're black. JG: Sheriff Davis recently unveiled the Concord Project, a new initiative to prevent and reduce crime and to strengthen race relations in Macon- Bibb. How hopeful are you that the program can make a difference? MAYOR: I applaud Sheriff Davis for his efforts to be proactive in crime reduction efforts, while concurrently maintaining an excellent record of reactive efforts to identify and arrest those individuals suspected of committing crimes. I think his Concord Project cries out for community support as the Sheriff's Office alone cannot be expected to be successful. We all need to be involved in some way in this effort. COUNTY MANAGER DR. KEITH MOFFETT 50 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020