Police union accepts concessions

Good job SBPD.

Having served my time in hell, I think I have the knowledge to talk about the inter workings of San Bernardino and San Bernardino Police Department. Yes, I am referring to San Bernardino PD as hell. To see a once proud police department full of warriors reduced to infighting and back stabbing truly saddens me. I put most of the blame at the feet of Bildt, Mankin, Goggin, Kimball, Waters, Lemos, Boom, Blackwell and several other sergeants who lacked the moral and ethical courage to be true leaders. They sacrificed their integrity and sworn obligation for the chance of a promotion and or power. The remaining blame is put on Lawhead and a few of the other board members; who in their quest for power were blinded by rage against the administration.
In a relentless quest for power, Bildt and Lawhead both conspired along with the executive staff to undermine then Chief Zimmon. Although Zimmon was an outsider, he was an ethical man that cared for the department and the men and women he served. Unfortunately, coming from LAPD, he was not accustomed to the “San Bernardino way.” This eventually led to him retiring rather than fight against his own administration. This back alley deal was done so that Bildt could be Chief. In return for the POA’s support (Lawhead) was promoted and hoped that Bildt would become a close ally. For reason unbeknownst to the author a falling out quickly arose.
This lead to Sgt’s Lowes and Desroschers butting heads with then Lt. Kimball. A lawsuit was filed and both Sgt’s were quickly blackballed. By no means am I supporter of both of the Sgt’s because they were some of the original tyrants within the department. Unfortunately for them, they did not have as much power as they thought. Kimball and the above listed administrators all did unethical things in an effort to discredit the Sgt’s. These acts have lead to both Sgt’s being offered 6 digits settlements as shut up money.
Bildt, so upset with his loss, took on the POA and its members with all the might and authority of his office. He began a systematic attack on those that either supported the POA or lacked the power to fight back. This included time off, write-ups and requesting the district attorney to investigate officers for crimes, which up until then had never been done. He also covered up cases (i.e. Sgt. Lawrence). This lead to the rank and file losing respect for the Chief and the administration. At the same time he began to promote a selected few that were willing to do his dirty work.
During this time, the nation’s financial crisis deepened, but still Bildt authorized over $100,000 a month in overtime for crime impact. Any street cop worth his salt knows for every loser you take off the street in San Bernardino he is replaced by another if not two. I truly have no idea why Bildt authorized the overtime; maybe it was his way of trying to grease the pockets of the officers. This overtime continued for nearly 3 years. So, doing simple math that adds up to 3.6 million in overtime. Many officers, detectives and sergeants questioned where the money was coming from, but where assured it was not a problem. Even as times became worse and Lawhead told us the city was having troubles; the overtime continued!
We have all witnessed first hand what has happened to the police department. Bildt’s lies about layoffs and furloughs. I truly believe the city never had any intention of laying off 49 officers plus taking 10% as they had originally said. Again, simple math does not add up. 49 officers’ salaries and benefits equal roughly 5 million dollars plus 10% is about another 2 million. Why the general of the department agreed to throw his troops under the bus is beyond me. I guess it was his hatred of Lawhead and the POA. He sacrificed his honor for his hatred. I still never will understand why he hired so many officers with the knowledge the city was dying financially. So, what has this led to? Currently over 25 officers are in backgrounds with other Police departments. San Bernardino PD’s reputation has suffered; morale is at an all time low. The warriors that fought crime (Zink, Demoet, Gaitan, Simpson (both), Affrunti, Verbanic, McBride, King, Echevarria, the new gang of LAPD officers, the entire CIT team) all walk with their heads hanging low and many have left or about to leave. San Bernardino PD has now become the last stop for officers that can not be hired anywhere else. This will ultimately cost the city more money in lawsuits and in lost knowledge and productivity. Hopefully San Bernardino doesn’t become the next Adelanto police department.
I should also place some of the blame at Morris and his bonehead ideas. Even though he assisted in getting measure z passed his ability to effectively manage the money was lacking. He along with the Weinberg are unethically moving the measure z funds into the general fund.
The best thing for San Bernardino and the police department is for Bildt to leave. Granted, the troops should almost never force out a leader, but in this case he has lost his ability to be a leader. Kimball has never been liked and has never been an effective leader. His leadership was based on fear and yelling at someone. Boom has more days off than any officer in the history of SBPD (use of force, sexual harassment, etc.) Waters was promoted solely because she is related to Mankin. Waters unethically set her own hours while other female officers were forced to work normal shifts upon their return from maternity leave. Bildt and Kimball have degrees from defunct non-accredited colleges. Goggin was a holy than thou leader, although he retired with “Chief’s disease.”
I think my assessment has been fair and honest. As I said earlier the problems are the fault of Bildt, mostly and Lawhead. May God bless our police department and get us through these problems.

I want to immediately associate myself with what the above officer wrote.

As far as I can tell, and I have an up-close view of things in the department, everything he wrote above is true. In fact, it is a very detailed and accurate report.

The only difference I have is I would place even MORE of the blame on Chief Billdt. He is utterly unfit to lead this department, and his backhanded, un-ethical "leadership" has almost single-handedly destroyed our department. No one respects him, and only the fear of retaliation prevents more officers from stepping forward to voice their anger.

Billdt, get the heck outta here and take Kimball with you!

After reading "just the facts" I can only shake my head in disbelief. Although there may be one or two truths to his diatribe a lot is left out and filled with hearsay, misinformation, and a downright twist. The talk of Billdt authorizing this and that is untrue. It was authorized by the council and Mayor for a myriad of logical reasons. As far as the "falling out" one of the initial issues was Desrochers and Lowes being removed from their positions, going to the POA board and raising hell demanding Billdts head and Lawhead by virtue of his position bought into it. The hornets nest began.

But, I'm just not going to take the time to break down everything piece by piece to try and set the record straight. It's not because I can't but when you are up against this type of misinformed mindset, change is not going to happen unless they could actually sit down with someone like Billdt and get the true behind the scenes scoop and filled in with what they don't know.

I will address this though. There was no power grab by Billdt. Chief Zimmons did come over from LAPD and everyone was giddy when that happened. New blood, change some wanted, but yet other seasoned veterans were reserved at what could come from an outsider especially with all the troubles LAPD was having at the time. Why was he leaving LAPD after 28 years? Ego? Power? He was personable but quickly became known as the absent chief. How he handled and wanted to change use of force and internal affairs issues became a concern internally among the rank and file and many Lt's and up. This was a direct result of his years in LA and their issues as it related to the media and lawsuits.

As time passed his charma was wearing off. The majority of his admin did not care for his leadership and the way he was handling his position and were stressed out. Some left and a few hung on. He only had two or three true supporters from Lt on up.

The president of the POA at the time was a supporter of Zimmon. That became a concern among the POA as it was felt more and more that issues of concern were being relayed back to Zimmon either directly from the POA president or indirectly through others so the president could conveniently distance himself if need be. It was felt this could undermine the POA's mission.

Tensions began to rise and now president Lawhead ran for the position. A couple others ran for POA positions with Lawhead and tensions boiled between them and Filson. Filson was removed by vote. The disenchantment with Zimmon continued and the new powers met with the former Mayor and word was circulating among council members over this rift in the PD. Zimmon was asked to leave and the medical angle of his departure was highlighted as the reason why.

Crime and shootings i.e., Mynisha, were major issues and concerns. The election for Mayor was in full swing. Mayor Morris liked what he saw in Billdt and he became Chief. This avoided a long process of again not going outside at the time when a lot was happening not only politically but within the PD itself. And the PD wanted someone who came up from the ranks to be the Chief.

The power grab line and Billdt scheming to run Zimmon out is sheer nonsense. If I possessed a truth bat I guess I could whack some people upside the head but I'm not sure that would work. In many ways Billdt has been railroaded after a long and distinquished career. His former friend Lawhead, somewhere deep down in his heart of hearts knows it. I'll continue to proudly serve.

Amen to what Amazing penned. Much more of a thoughtful and accurate analaysis than what I've seen in the many years I have been here.

All sides, the POA, Admin and more importantly, City Hall have not handled this situation entirely well.
There is some truth in all these points of view, but leadership starts at the top, with the Mayor's Office. He is certainly NOT a man of leadership or character. He needs to go, along with those most of the City Council.

Many misunderstand the role that Rich Lawhead fills. His job, in case you don't remember, is to exhaust every availabe avenue when it comes to representing the membership in matters of collective bargaining. A difficult task.

Like him or not, I would be hard pressed to say he didn't do everything he could possibly do, within his power, to keep Weinberg and Morris from rolling over the top of us. And make no mistake, they would have.

As for Chief Billdt, he serves, don't forget, at the pleasure of the Mayor. The rest of us are insulated somewhat from the the misguided tyranny of one person. We are fortunate. Could he have done things differently? I think so, and I'm sure he does too.

But I never heard anyone say bad things about Billdt until he strapped on those Chief's stars. I don't know if any Chief sees the target that gets painted on your back at the same time.

Maybe now we can start moving forward again.

I agree with Just the Facts and SBPD Vet.

Bildt has rewarded officers who do wrong - for example Brad Lawrence, Henson - didn't he cause damage to officers personal property - yet he was never disciplined? Again this is a story I had to read about in the Press Enterprise becaue the Sun is so scared it only prints what the mayor tells it to. Why was Henson never disciplined? Because he is Bildts friend.

And then there is Mitch Kim(no)balls. He is just a puppet and does whatever Bildt tells him to.

For the sake of the department it is truly time for those two to leave. Hell I'll throw the retirement party for everyone else to attend and celebrate they are gone. No admin will be invited - Lt's and up!

I just hope the decent officers (basically the rank and file) can put up with all the crap that is going to be coming their way until these two scumbags leave. Otherwise, SB is going to lose alot of GREAT officers. And it is us citizens that will suffer. Please try and hold on - the citizens needs guys like you!

Hold on boys (and girls) it is going to be a rough couple of months until these two idiots move on. And then I wonder what will happen to their pets - Boom? Oh he won't even know as he isn't ever there anyways.

I can only assume this is where retalitiation is going to begin until these two Hitlers are gone! Stay strong rank and file! You are the only good part of that department!

Amazin, you are a kool aid drinker. There is no hearsay... as, I have first have knowledge of everything I wrote.

Fact #1: As I said, Desrouchers and Lowes chose to fight back against a tyrant like Kimball. As I said, they did not have as much power as they thought, thus, they lost or are losing; depending on your point of view.

Fact #2: Bildt has been a shadow of a leader, who with the help of Lawhead closed the door on Zimmon. I would agree with you Zimmon did some things that all of us disliked, including discipline, but overall he was a good man that was shown the door with the help of Bildt and Lawhead.

Fact #3: As a result of Bildt and his leadership morale is at or near an all time low.

Fact #4: Bildt mismanaged the budget. Why did he authorize 3 years worth of overtime.

Fact #5: Bildt was wrong to hire men away from their departments knowing the city was in a finacial crisis. If he didn't know, then he is a horrible leader and must have had his head in the sand. Either way I am correct.

Fact #6: His discipline policies were not fair. There were double standards and those that he liked were shield and promoted. i.e. Lawerence...

Fact #7: Why did Waters get promoted. Based on her knowledge and leadership skills? She was a horrible K-9 officer and hid in patrol.

Fact #8: Goggin was a holy than thou leader, but still was able to retire with "Chiefs disease." This while a fine Lt.(Taack) fights for medical retirement for true injuries sustain on duty.

Fact #9: He did promote only those willing to do his dirty work. Can you tell me Kimball is an effective leader? If you do, than you too have your head in the sand. The man was hated and feared by his employees. Boom deserved Captain..how many days on the beach has he had in 25 years? What has Henson done in his career except work as a security guard at local hospitals.

Fact #10: Are there not numerous officers leaving the department because of Bidlt and his leadership.

Fact #11: Bildt was unliked, he moved up the rank because he was liked by then Chief Dean. Has Bildt done anything noteworthy in his career. Has he have been involved in a shooting or put himself on the line...nope. He is pencil pusher...fact. Does he have a real college degree?

Fact #12: When Officers were about to be given "pink slips" he did not speak to them in person as he has promised. Instead, he chose the lowest ranking LT. to do his dirty work.

Fact #13: When Officers were trying to leave, he called the local police chiefs and told them not to hire his Officers. Highest standard of ethics there?

Fact 15: You can try and downplay what I have said in both blogs by throwing out words like hearsay, lying, etc, but the facts are there. They are in the open and they are the truth. I just wonder how many ranks you were given to standby Bildt.

Fact 16: Why has Bildt done nothing of his own..he continues to follow plans by Zimmon...hmmm...I thought he was a horrible leader and not liked?

You said Billdt is telling other chiefs not to hire SB officers?? Is that true?

To Curious,

There is zero truth to it. Its just another example of statements without any basis or fact that are thrown into these blogs to create more controversy. The sixteen facts listed above are full of errors, innuendo, and a total lack of understanding or knowing what really took place. Tell someone something,they tell someone, then it gets twisted and what do you have? All these silly rumors and one sided so called facts not based in logic. Its maddening but unavoidable when you deal with some elements out there who have despicable motives, twisted perceptions, and for the most part do not have a clue.

To Curious:

Notice, they throw out statements trying to discredit what I have posted, but they give no real argument..just lip service.

As for innuendos and hearsay...they can still be based in facts. So the annonymous blogger thinks Bildts is popular? Bildt is using the Zimmons strtegic plan (created by Zimmon.) That is just to name a quick few. Dont believe the Bildt supports as the only way they can present an thing is with hate. What they are doing is called begging the question...i.e., have you stopped hitting you wife. No matter your reply, they try to make you sound bad.

An example of a corrupt admin. Boom files a lawsuit against the city, but arent they all selfless employees...he moron you still got promoted...what did you lose...a months pay ...common!

Bildt, Kimball, Boom, Lemos ande Waters= tools

As I stated in my above blog it is useless to respond to this "just the facts" person for the very reasons I mentioned. It is also hard to read his statements and make sense out of them as they are written. Once again, it is just not worth taking the time to break down each of his so called facts because even he has to be laughing at himself if he has a clue or re-reads what he writes. But just for accuracy I will respond to a few. He states the Chief is using the strategic plan initiated by Zimmon. Yeah, he is. He worked on it more when he came into the position and put it in place. So what?

Fact #4: Billdt did not authorize three years of overtime and mismanage the budget. After the turmoil of Mynisha, other shootings, and crime issues the council wanted action to quell the violence and try and bring the crime rate down. Corridor patrols, cite teams, and good hard police work had positive effects on this. The money to continue this was approved by the Mayor and council after budget meetings because the city wanted to spend the money. They were the one's who authorized it based on suggestions from the police administration as it related to crime issues.

Fact #11: The Chief came up through the ranks like anyone else. Once a lieutenant his qualities were noticed by Chief Dean. Interviews took place and he was selected for Captain. He has done plenty in his career as a patrolman, detective, etc. He was on the streets during some of the most volatile times, the late 70's and 80's. Sorry he did not get into a shooting to join "just the facts" shooting club. If you were around then you would know he was on the "line" many times. The pencil pusher comment continues to show how ignorant you are. I guess once you achieve the rank of Lt and above thats what you are in your mind. I would think you need "pencil pushers" in any profession but god forbid if they are one. I respect the "pencil pushers" who came up through the ranks methodically, put it on the line, and thats exactly what this chief did. His college degree and training is the same as many currently among the ranks trying to move up.

In finishing I am not going to address any more of the listed facts because of how stupid they are. I believe the level headed people out there, one's around the department, know enough and can see through the nonsense of it.

You are a kool aid drinker at it's best. According to you Bildt is a saint and has done nothing wrong?!?! So all of the members of the association are wrong. Wow, you sure think highly of yourself. Oh, and as far as writing skill "god" should be capitialized..i.e., God.

A good leader, knowing the finacial state of the city would have said no to the money, just because some one gives you a blank check, doesn't mean you should cash it. If that's the case, you just won the Nigerian lottery, please cash the attached check and return 10% to pay for the taxes.

As far as the Zimmon plan, why would you use a item proposed by an LAPD Officer. You said he was dis- liked and not a good leader. Why then would you (Admin) use his work. Maybe because you could do no better. Maybe because you wanted him out so you could pick-up a Lt's bar or even a Captain's bars.

It is obvious, that your argument is shallow; as all you can do it put down a writing style. No matter if I wrote like a Yale grad or a 4th grader, there still is merit to what I have said. You are so busy in your ivory tower, you should have plenty of time to respond. Although all you would say is... "without merit or no facts." Try again, you and your breed are dying within the police department. The morale will only improve when you leave.

Just a career patrolmen with no English degree. I tried to get a degree from Augie U..but they are no longer around. Just because so many of SB Admin have a degree from the "University" does not make it right. I realized a long time ago people of your ilk think much too highly of yourself and look down upon us bottom feeders. Long live us back woods..Deliverance type of folk.

Oh, and a few more things. Bildt worked on the plan, but it came out before Zimmon left!!! Also, the corridor patrols worked? After 6 months a majority of the officers did nothing except for write parking tickets and tow cars for expired registration.

You seem to want to pick a fight, but somehow I don't think you read my post. Don't you agree with fact # 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 16. Why won't you respond? Lack of honesty on your part or lack of ability.

Please enlighten me oh wise one.

As a casual observer of this site I read Just the Facts and Amazing. From a logical perspective I find Amazings position on the situations he lays out much more believable. Just the facts comes across as a hate filled person with an axe to grind. Many of his listed facts and statements lack credibility with their basic foundation or premise. I can see why Amazing does not want to respond to all of them because Just the Facts would only be more confused by them. Its hard not to notice that Just the Facts picks insignificant bits on topics or past events and exploits them to fit his agenda as Amazing said through innuendo and spin.

I am more than a casual observer to this blog. Not only do I read the comments daily, but I live them daily as employee of 15 years. It is painfully obvious to me that the two persons typing in rebuttals to Just the Facts comments are administrators within the SBPD. With that being said, they lack creditability based on their past misgivings.
I would agree with a majority of what Just the Facts said; and would argue that anonymous and casual observer are angry they have lost their power. They both claim (wrongly) that Just the Facts arguments are based in hearsay and innuendos. They both need to realize that their arguments are specious and lack any creditability because they refuse to respond with any sort of cogent response. The basic premise is no, no, no. One even claims he has an axe to grind, well doesn’t the responder have an axe to grind, don’t we all have an axe to grind in some shape or form. They also need to look up the words innuendo and hearsay in the dictionary and realize those words don’t fit in with their response.
What’s truly amazing to me is that Just the Fact calmly responded and even gave them examples, which can not be disputed. i.e., Bildt is disliked and two Sergeants are now in trouble with SBPD admin. They refuse to give him any credit because they know in doing so they legitimize him. Their responses lack foundation and try to discredit by putting down the writer instead of responding. Their responses are akin to a child saying no to everything an adult says.
In closing, Just the Facts took the time to lay out some basic facts about the crumbling PD. Maybe if some of the Administrators that took the time to respond would look in the mirror they could change, but I doubt it?
I’m sure I will be blasted as an idiot, moron, loser, malcontent are some other hateful verb, but I can handle it. I along with Just the Facts WANT the PD to succeed and look forward to a day when morale and leadership improve. Until that day, I will continue to work hard and do what is right; right by my family, right by my friends, right by God and right by the citizens.

why does everybody have to argue about it you dont like it leave the department.

You know...being a cop in the city...you know what was really sad. It was hard for me to see what the up stairs group did to those young kids....In my opinion I feel that there was only one real person that had the courage and morals to stand up for all of us, and that was Officer Spiller. It was sad to see all of those kids leave...now what is the up stairs goofs doing..they are going to hire new officers....Oh I forgot...no one is going to want to come and work for a messed up department....Chief...or contract chief....you really smashed this place into the ground....

p.s. THANKS....