Gyll: ‘The department is in a tailspin’
Michael T. Gyll
Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News asked the three Douglas County sheriff’s candidates a series of questions. The responses are running in the order they were received. All but one question is the same.
Name: Michael T. Gyll
Age: 44
Occupation: Retired Nevada state police officer, Nevada Department of Public Safety, investigation division, headquarters commander.
What groups, nonprofits, other civic involvement are you part of outside of work?: Douglas County Parks and Recreation coach, Carson Valley Little League, National Rifle Association, Veterans Administration.
In Tahoe during the morning commute there are often multiple deputies out on Highway 50. How is enforcing speed the best use of limited resources?: Having patrols on the streets during commute hours is not just about enforcing speed limits. Officer presence is a deterrent. Those citizens who would not normally drive erratically, or push their driving abilities and their vehicle’s abilities are much more likely to do so during commute hours due to being late for work or that always important meeting. When citizens drive beyond their ability they become a serious hazard to those who have planned their day accordingly. During commute hours vehicle crimes are not the only crimes that occur. Having deputies patrolling the highways also puts them in areas which would reduce response time to calls for service because they are already mobile and in the area.
When the South Shore is busy rental units often have so many vehicles they spillover onto the streets to create a problem for locals and pose a safety issue. Currently, nothing is being done about this issue. What do you think should be done to address this ongoing issue?: Discussion/awareness town hall meeting with property managers and/or owners about the issue. Having grown up in South Lake Tahoe I understand the need for tourism and the effects it has on “locals” daily routines and lifestyles. The challenge is this; how do we create an environment that is safe and effective for visitors and locals while continuing to thrive as a tourist destination. When emergency response is hampered because of this issue, immediate and swift response should occur. If it is a nuisance issue, then discussion, time and understanding will have to be sought by all parties involved. If a solution or compromise is not realized then enforcement should take place. But all attempts to remedy the situation should be attempted prior to contacting law enforcement. To have law enforcement respond to non-emergency issues pertaining to parking would not be the “best use of limited resources.”
Do you believe it’s better for the head of a law enforcement agency to come from inside or outside the department? Why?: There are pros and cons to both. Pros could be the fact that the person has intimate knowledge of the department’s capabilities, personnel issues, department resources, etc. The cons are a high potential for “good ol boy” or nepotism scenarios. This is always an issue with smaller departments. There is also the issue of “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” attitude. This attitude comes from individuals who have no vision for the department or community. Just because something works, does that mean it’s the right or only way of conducting business? No. Just because it has been working for the last 16 years does that mean it works for law enforcement in the 21st century? No. Lack of vision and a status quo attitude will not survive in the arena that current issues have with law enforcement. An insider that lacks vision will cause a department to fall further and further behind. An outsider will bring new perspective, a fresh set of eyes and enhance the department’s capabilities. You have a lot of qualified personnel within these types of departments that find it hard to advance because of the negative issues described. An outsider will eliminate roadblocks to a qualified person’s advancement by having that fresh perspective.
Why do you want to be sheriff?: I believe in this community and love the county I reside in. I have a lot of friends and acquaintances that call Douglas County home and have their business here as well. So when I retired from the state of Nevada, I became more active with those acquaintances and was overwhelmed with the lack of trust they had in their sheriff’s department. Most sited bad experiences with the administration. As time went on, discussions were had about what can be done, then it happened, they started asking me about the possibility of running for sheriff. I continually dismissed their advances until one night at the father-daughter dance I found myself surrounded. I wasn’t able to dance a single dance with my daughter. That night I thought about what had happened and wondered if there was any thing I could really do. I discussed it with my family, weighing the pros and cons and we decided that since we had so many friends at the sheriff’s department and in the communities that my running for sheriff might be the right thing to. It’s our community, our friends, our children’s future, why not be the loyal resident and invest in our community? That’s when I knew it was right and just and that this is what is needed for all.
Why should someone vote for you over someone else?: I have the training, experience and knowledge to move the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department forward in a new direction. With a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective, the sheriff’s department will find harmony with the changing demographics Douglas County is experiencing. For far too long the sheriff’s department has been steered into the 21st century with 20th century administrative views. With my experience, I can offer the deputies an opportunity to enhance their skills and abilities far beyond their current allowable limits. As for the citizens and communities that make up Douglas County and are served by the sheriff’s department, I offer strength and vision as an administrator that has not been realized by an administrator for the sheriff’s department in at least 16 years. I started my career as a state trooper, through training, hard work and determination, I was promoted and transferred to the investigation division. I have conducted and/ or supervised many investigations which involve, but are not limited to: illegal/ illicit dangerous drug crimes, officer involved shootings, murder/ homicide, suicide, crimes against children and the elderly, and crimes against public trust. I have supervised sworn police officers and civilian employees, I have had the privilege of hiring well-qualified personnel, and relieving personnel of their duties using progressives steps in discipline which had included termination of service. I have the experience, knowledge and loyalty that the citizens of Douglas County deserve.
What is your stand on medical marijuana?: I believe that the path has been paved for the formal acknowledgment that medical/medicinal marijuana is here to stay. I believe the actual use of marijuana for the treatment of aches and pains is not justified. But I do believe the use of marijuana to enhance appetite and healing for cancer patients is warranted. If it is proven to help with treatment and it was my loved one, I would condone its use.
What kind of enforcement issue would that present for the department?: Medical marijuana is currently lawful in the state of Nevada. Enforcement is already being addressed and implemented for some time.
What do you believe is needed for a good relationship between the sheriff’s department and county commissioners?: Open door access and complete transparency. There should not be administrative secrets between the sheriff and county commissioners. We should all be working to the same common goal, safety for our citizens and visitors to Douglas County. This can be achieved by open and frank communication. Barriers such as egos and personal agendas have no place in the Sheriffs administration.
If the commissioners cut your budget by 10 percent, what program or people would you cut? Please be specific.: None. First of all a 10 percent budget cut is unrealistic. If any cuts to the budget are made, I would reallocate resources, seek additional funding through OCJA and ensure that prevention, enforcement and presence in not diminished.
What is your relationship with businesses at Lake Tahoe that work with the sheriff’s department on various events? If anything, what would you consider changing?: I would have to decline this answer due to the fact venues are always changing and effecting Lake Tahoe differently each and every time. I must take a fluid stance and let it be known that every venue in Douglas County will be carefully scrutinized to ensure the safety of all who attend and/ or participate.
The sheriff’s department has always refused to make the New Year’s Eve celebration at Stateline a sanctioned or permitted event. The casinos have asked for this and have wanted to expand the festivities, but DCSO says no. Do you believe this is a good policy? Why or why not? And how would you address it?: For those of us who remember the ’80s and ’90s celebrations, I believe New Year’s should have been a sanctioned or permitted event. But today’s attendance numbers and the economy the way it is, it would be difficult to justify the additional expenses and personnel costs. If the casinos wanted to expand, where would they expand to? I think the enhanced outdoor venues during spring, summer and fall should give county commissioners an excellent perspective as to what would one additional venue really matter. If the county commissioners and the residents want to move forward and look at sanctioning or permitting the event, then I to would be willing to readdress the issue. If you stand back and watch, a lot of what happens at Lake Tahoe should be addressed during the 4th of July arguments that are up coming.
The sheriff is a political position, something you don’t have experience with as a trooper with the NHP. What do you see as your biggest challenge and how will you overcome it?: First of all, I started my law enforcement career as a state trooper employed by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol Division. After working hard to attain all that I could as a state trooper, I promoted to the rank of detective and was transferred to the investigation division which is still under the Nevada Department of Public Safety. After a time of working undercover as a narcotics detective, I was promoted to sergeant and was the administrative and operational supervisor. I was charged with the coordination of a local task force which consisted of state detectives, detectives from three counties, agents from DEA, and agents from the Office of the Military and a traveling narcotic task force which was staffed with state detectives and assisted any of the 17 counties in the state of Nevada with trouble areas that a local detective or team would be unable to accomplish enforcement activities. I was responsible for the budgets, grants, training, equipping and evaluation of all personnel and responsible for all operational issues. I was then promoted to lieutenant and headquarters commander for the investigation division. I directly supervised two multi-agency task forces, the major crimes unit, the polygraph examiners unit, the Nevada Threat Analysis Center, administrative personnel assigned to headquarters, NTAC and Fallon. I was responsible for statewide budget as it pertained to training, travel, vehicle procurement, supply procurement, uniforms, salaries, fringe benefits and emergency deployments and/ or events such as air race crashes, floods, fires, active shooter incidents or any requests from other federal, state, local or municipal law enforcement agencies. So I know I have the experience, training, knowledge, demeanor and loyalty it takes to be the sheriff of Douglas County. I know I have the skills and abilities to perform those duties of the Douglas County sheriff. I have the political experience and more to be a very effective Douglas County sheriff. Task forces and threat analysis centers are very political and are watched closely from the executive branch of Nevada government.
Douglas County sheriff’s deputies make less than South Lake Tahoe police officers and El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies. Does this hamper efforts to recruit employees? Do you believe deputies should be paid more? Why or why not? If yes, how would you go about getting them more money?: Of course I believe deputies should be paid more. When you are looking for a professional position as a deputy pay is only one part of the deciding factor to work or don’t work for a specific agency. If all you wanted was higher wages, you would move to Las Vegas and work for Metro or Henderson. But if you want quality of life for you and your family and know that you are being paid well for the work you are doing and can wake every morning, look out your windows and see the majesty in front you being the Sierra Nevada, Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe, then the reduced pay is worth it. When elected sheriff I will of course lobby the county commissioners for better pay and work with the association to ensure my employees don’t fall further behind in regards to pay and benefits. As for your comparisons, SLTPD and EDSO, it’s apples and oranges, California and Nevada, but when you compare salaries to other Northern Nevada counties, Douglas County deputy wages are comparable.
What is lacking in the department right now in terms of personnel or equipment or other resources? How would you address those needs?: Douglas County Sheriff’s Department with regards to personnel and equipment is as always lacking personnel. Equipment is always attainable, but qualified applicants are not. The department could stand to increase its number of sworn personnel, but that all hinges on the economy and county commissioners. As for other resources, well, we are professional law enforcement officers, we always want the newest and greatest tools to perform our duties, and wish we had resources available to us like major metropolitan police departments.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and how do you plan to resolve it?: Morale. The department is in a tailspin and the administration thinks it is fine so long as the administration can keep quiet the masses. The first issue I will broach is the morale issue and I will do this using peer and supervisor evaluation and review methods. If I was to start at the top, all I might get is smoke and mirrors and never get the core of the problem. I have found through my years of supervisory experience that most often the view of a suspected problem is less hazy and very real if you look at it from the line level personnel perspective. This goes along with my “new perspective, fresh set of eyes” platform. It’s time that deputies are again proud of not only the profession they have chosen, but the department they have chosen to work for.
What is one do-over you would like to have in terms of a professional decision you have made?: I would have become a fireman.
Tell us something about yourself that people might not already know?: I was raised between Lake Tahoe and Placerville. My father was an El Dorado County deputy sheriff and my mother worked for the casinos. I went to Meyers Elementary, Sierra House Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, and graduated from South Tahoe High School.
Retired at 44? How’s that possible
I also found that statement to be one that requires explanation. Something does not add up or ring true as written
Is he a recent retiree?
If he is 44, he would have graduated from highschool at 18, (1995 or 1996) and gone into the NV Highway Patrol the earliest at 21, which would make that 1998 or 1999. He would therefore have had 16 or 17 years until now to do all he says he has done.
I don’t know what the NV state retirement system is like, but at best it takes 20 years to “retire”. There is something wrong with the numbers.
Was his retirement voluntary? Is he on some form of disability? (not uncommon with cops/firemen) Did he become a “trust funder” at 44 and not need to work?
His entire career seems to be with the Nevada Div of Public Safety, with no mention of military or education past high school (just facts, no negative inference implied).
To have this track record (at least 5 major assignments if I counted correctly) he either was very, very capable, had a mentor who promoted him beyond belief, or left claw marks on the backs of 15 or 20 other people to get where he says.
Another option, of course, is some level of creative, paper adoption of other peoples responsiblities. Fabrication?
The cops are so desperate to keep busting people for pot. Easy source of revenue, nonviolent ‘criminals’. This guy doesn’t want it legal, I don’t want him in charge.
Pass.
Finally someone who understands that law enforcement at Tahoe has to be about not scaring off the tourists! It is a fine line that the Ron Perenni sherrif’s office has done very poorly at walking. I would actually consider voting for this guy.
Observer, your math is off …
if he is 44, he would have graduated around 1988 or 1989, not 98/99. He therefore could have started as a patrolman at 21 around 90/91.
1991 + 20 = 2011. So yea he put in his twenty years.
People also forget while someone may retire earlier than others they don’t get a full retirement, for example:
If you put in 40 years, your retirement pay is something like 90% of what you made your last year.
30 years, maybe you only get 80%
25 gets you 70%
20 gets you 60%
yes theoretically you could put in 10 years and get 30-50% whatever the number is. (I give rough numbers here off the top of my head)
I think Mr. Gyll is a very well written person. I’m a little concerned he doesn’t show some academic knowledge (beyond training, college experience). I’d like to see him in a video discussion as well, how about it Mr. Gyll, make a youtube video and talk about yourself, give us a chance to look you in the eyes and address anything you wish.
I hope his age is a misprint. It would make more scene if he was 54. I have to agree with Cosa anyone who would send people to jail for pot offenses to be beaten raped and infected with aids is unfit for public office.
The woods are full of folks who’ve spent a bit of time as law enforcement officers, or, more commonly, reserves or security folks, and see a potential opening as an opportunity to take on something different, and usually more lucrative since we usually pay premium prices to attract premium professionals.
As a Douglas County voter, I’m pretty sure I already know what my call will be and I’ll consider expressing it after the other seekers, including, like this guy, wannabe big fish in a small town, have had their say.
Hello, thank you for the discussion. Yes I am 44. I served faithfully in the US Army straight out of high school. I am a veteran of Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. Once my obligation was completed I applied for NHP and CHP. CHP had a hiring freeze and NHP hired me. I served 21+ years with Nevada DPS. You ask how I retired? In 2000 I was working as a Motor Officer in Las Vegas when I was involved in an accident. While recovering I received an insurance settlement and because the injuries I sustained were potentially career ending, I took those funds and purchased service credit. After a year of recovery, I beat the odds and returned to full duty. I continued working and advancing my career until I retired. I retired after realizing I had maximized my retirement benefits. I enjoyed my retirement until friends and citizens of Douglas County, some of which worked for me when I was Headquarters Commmander, approached me and asked me to run for the office of Douglas County Sheriff. I do have a substantial resume and when elected I will ensure those who voted for had voted for the right person and together we will direct Douglas County enforcement efforts in the right direction in line with 21st century police practices. Thank you for your time and I will continue to monitor this discussion.
Fuzz and Observer it’s called being a gov’t employee.. NHP officers only have to put in 25 years to quality for retirement. The State also has an option to purchase down 5 years of employment essentially you are buying an extra years of service.
That’s how he was able to retire after 20 years of service. This is a very common practice for state/gov’t employee’s.
In addition the pot comments are way off.. the Sheriff does not have any actual power in making pot legal or illegal.
It’s a ballot issue that is voted on…
The pot comments are relevant.
“I believe the actual use of marijuana for the treatment of aches and pains is not justified.”
That mentality is part of the problem. No one with that mindset should have power over anyone.
The police are out of control and increasingly militarized. We should be careful who we put in charge.
The only answer I would accept from a Sheriff: “Marijuana should be legal, the time we waste on it in law enforcement is unjustified, the money we waste on it is insane, and we need to take steps to weaken the prison-industrial complex.”
Aches and pains should be treated with aspirin or tylenol. You don’t need marijuana for that. If you want totally legal marijuana, put an initiative on the ballot, get it passed or move to Colorado. How many 18 ~21 year olds have medical cards for”aches and pains.” DCSO is stagnant under the current administration. A fresh set of eyes and a new perspective are needed. Break the good old boy cycle. Vote Gyll!
The County of Douglas needs the cycle to be changed… If there is not a sheriff in place that brings DCSO up to speed with the numerous issues that currently (& secretively) plague DCSO then the agencies of the federal government will be requiring financial penalties to be paid due to the misuse of funds that have stipulation(s) &/or requirement(s) and the person(s) who should have been held accountable will no longer be in the area to pay the price… It will be our county (& taxpayers) that will have to pay it for the decades of “status quo”…& there will not be enough “smoke n’ mirrors” when it gets to that level. The taxpayer has been paying a high price for damages done under the current sheriff who has a smile upon he face as he believes that he has gotten away w/ things for too long. You know the saying “…keeping telling the same lie & you start to believe it to be the “truth”…” or “…ignore it & it will go away…” There are too many persons (& their family members)who have formerly been in the military service that the “status quo” goes against their vow to protect (not to look the other way with CYA situations)
Apparently, Mr. Gyll is experienced with law enforcement of the Tri-Counties which will be a great asset to when coordinating as these counties overlap on numerous levels.
I am still researching all candidates for the position of sheriff & IMO the County of Douglas needs one that will be able to address the dysfunctional situation at DCSO & bring the necessary skill set to address the issues of “public safety” while partnering with the various interests of the public, businesses & comply with the requirements that are constantly changing due to new laws at all levels of government.
Awe the time of election. So funny how people fear so much change. I worked with Mr. Gyll for 3 years undercover. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have had in my career so far. He was always there when you needed him and was very dedicated to his job. If you had a problem he had the open door to discuss and help you through it. I know he would make an awesome Sheriff. A lot of what I learned in my time working with him helped me promote to Sergeant in my career so far. I say Gyll for Douglas County Sheriff. HANDS DOWN!!!