We had just gone through a very grueling day with lots of activity and several problems. As we were sitting in the Chiefs Office reviewing the days activities, he asked me, "How do you sleep at night?" I replied, "What do you mean?" He said, "With all this crazy stuff happening and people always complaining, how do you go home and sleep at night?" I told him, this is mild, you should be here when it really gets hectic and crazy." "But as for sleeping, I sleep perfectly well."

I guess I should have explained better, what I meant was, once I get to bed I sleep well. I just can't get myself in bed before eleven or eleventhirty. I either stay up late watching TV or reading a book. I've never been one to go to bed early and especially if something is on my mind. There is another problem with the reading part though. Sometimes I turn off the TV and then do my reading in the bathroom. Have you ever read for 20 minutes or more "in the bathroom? I don't recommend it because everything goes to sleep before you do, Then you try to walk to the bed and your legs are asleep, and it takes awhile to get the blood flowing again.

We've talked enough about my reading and sleep habits, I want to mention a little about our meeting with the Governor last week. We discussed what was working and what wasn't in reference to Border Security, and if it wasn't working how could it be fixed or changed. He said he was interested in results, so if part of the program wasn't working we need to reassess it and see how to make it work. Most of the grants that have been given out were given for equipment, and for overtime for officers to work the areas in their counties that needed their attention in regards to drugs and human trafficking. It was mentioned that what most of the departments along the border needed was more people.

Our case in question, we have the same number of officers on board now that I had when 1 first took office back in 1985. Since that time the population has grown and the number of call have tripled, or more, yet we still have the same amount of officers as back in the 80's. We've operated as long as we could like this, but there is so much going on now with our regular job, not to mention the border and Homeland Security part, that we just can't cover it all. Therefore we are looking for grants and other measures to put more "boots on the ground."

It was also discussed that the rest of the country needs to be made aware of the problems along the border and the fact that if it stopped here, it will be in Iowa and Kansas and the rest of the United States before much longer. The Governor promised to do his part to seek more funding for the area, but he mentioned Counties need to do their part as well, alongside other local, state, and federal agencies. It was about a 45 minute meeting, and was reassuring that all other Sheriffs present seemed to be on the same page as far as their needs and the direction we should take in the future. There was much more discussed but time doesn't allow it here, maybe later we can discuss more. Time to reread this, and then go to bed. Sweet dreams!