Poll indicates Saratogans find deputies responsive, helpful

By Kara Chalmers

The sheriff's deputies are behaving very well, according to a poll of Saratogans who have called upon them for assistance, or to report an incident in the past month.

While the 12-person response to the "customer satisfaction survey" was low--less than 3 percent of the people deputies assisted in the past four weeks filled out the survey--Capt. Jeff Miles said he is happy with the results. Overall, each Saratogan surveyed was satisfied with the service he or she received from the sheriff's office.

According to Miles, the county is basing the office's budget on the performance of the deputies. "We have to show how well we're doing our job," he said.

As of Oct. 12, the survey compilations show that 100 percent of the customers said their initial phone call to the sheriff's office was handled promptly and courteously, that the deputy arrived in a reasonable amount of time and showed concern for the situation.

One hundred percent of the customers also said the deputy they dealt with was extremely courteous and professional, and took the time to explain his or her actions and to offer alternatives. But only 34 percent of customers reported they routinely see deputies patrolling their neighborhoods. Capt. Miles responded that the number and frequency of patrolling deputies depends on the area. For example, residents who live on Highway 9 see patrols all the time.

"If you live at the top of Pierce [Road], you don't see them as often," he added.

Miles said he encourages people to take the time to fill out the survey since it highlights areas in which deputies might need training.

Miles, a 27-year veteran of the department, has been on the job in Saratoga for three weeks. Before that, he had served as division commander of the Sheriff's Headquarters Patrol Division, the second largest division in the office, since 1997. He said that although he may personalize the Westside Substation a bit, he will not institute any major changes.

"Under sheriff [Robert] Wilson, a top-notch and hard-working organization was created and maintained," he said. "There is no need for major changes." Wilson recently was named to the newly created position of undersheriff.

Two new staffers join the Saratoga News

Obituary

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

High school sports

Pop Warner football

Winter league basketball