I certainly have read about the difficulties and dangerous situations regarding Sheriff Rivero and Clearlake Police Department going after the same drug trafficking folks here lately.
This is also what I recently read on the Sheriff”s Advisory e-mail site we can sign up for: “Clearlake Police Chief Craig Clausen however, has publicly criticized the Sheriff”s Narcotics Task Force for failing to notify his agency. Sheriff Rivero stated, I was taken aback by Clausen”s allegations when I heard them from the media, because he had not called me or anyone on my staff.” Rivero added, that he had attempted to contact Clausen today by calling his office, but was told he was not in. Rivero also left a message for Clausen with Clearlake Police Dispatch, but has not received a return call. “I would like to meet with Chief Clausen and resolve this matter immediately, I am willing to discuss establishing protocols and guidelines to avoid any future unexpected encounters with CPD Officers and Sheriff”s detectives, but I must retain the ability to conduct narcotics investigations in Lake County, including Clearlake, and I will maintain a strong anti-narcotics program,” Rivero said.
“Rivero pointed out that he had previously offered to contribute $40,000 of CalMET grant money toward having a Clearlake Police Officer on the narcotics task force which might alleviate Clausen”s concerns, but to date Clausen has declined. That offer is still on the table.”
I am certain every good citizen of Lake County wants to get rid of drug trafficking in Lake County without the sheriffs and police persons getting hurt between the two law enforcement agencies, because they are not working together.
As you can see above, offers have been made to remedy the present situation with the Chief of Police who was recently under investigation for manhandling his elder female neighbor.
Why isn”t the Chief cooperating with Rivero? In spite of all the ugly politics and terrible comments that have been made, we are getting rid of drug trafficking here and I appreciate that.
Bev Owen
Clearlake
