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NORTH VERNON POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
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Chief Jack Hatton and the Hatch Act
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05-23-2006
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For More Information, Contact:
Asst Chief Jack Hatton 812.346.1466
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If you are behind a North Vernon patrol car you will see in big red letters “to serve and protect”. When you walk into the North Vernon Police Department’s lobby you will notice a mission statement that reads, “We commit ourselves to uphold the law of the State of Indiana and the Constitution of the United States. To that end, we will provide Professionalism, Honesty, Integrity, and Respect. We will be leaders in providing a Safe Community Environment by promoting Teamwork, Open Communications and Accountability.”
These words echoed within me when I was informed that political adversaries filed a petition to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel “Hatch Act Unit.”
Let me define what the Hatch Act is and who is covered. In 1939, Congress approved landmark legislation known as the Hatch Act which limits the political activities of federal employees, employees of District of Columbia government and certain employees of state and local government.
In passing The Hatch Act, Congress determined that partisan political activity by federal employees, employees of the District of Columbia government and certain employees of state and local governments must be limited for public institutions to function fairly and effectively.
The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of an individual principally employed by state or local executive agencies who work in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants.
The following list offers examples of the types of programs which frequently receive financial assistance from the federal government: public health, public welfare, housing, urban renewal and area redevelopment, employment security, labor and industry training, public works, conservation, agricultural, civil defense, transportation, anti-poverty, and law enforcement programs.
Simply put, you can’t be a Police Chief who gets grants for the community and run for Sheriff! As strange as that seems that is the Hatch Act. It was communicated to the Office of Special Counsel that absolutely no money, not one penny, was ever received or given to the Chief of Police. All funding is administrated by the City Clerk’s Office for the grant programs. “It doesn’t matter,” was the response of the Special Counsel, you can’t get grants and run for Sheriff of Jennings County.
To be a good and effective Chief of Police in a small community grants are extremely vital. If I can’t apply for grants that help my community, our city, our police department, our school system then I will step to the side. Another Chief of Police can continue to build on the foundation that has been formed.
Over the course of eight years as Asst. Chief and Chief of Police, I have worked hard in trying to improve the Police Department and the community that I was sworn to serve and protect. I have always listened to the City Council and Mayor in their comments: “pursue as many grants as you can”. I have and with no regrets pursued grants for the betterment of our community. I will step back to Asst. Chief with no grant responsibility. I will continue to serve our community with the utmost respect and accountability.
This hasn’t made me bitter, but better, a better person, one who lives by the mission statement posted in the North Vernon Police Department lobby. A better person who believes in God, Family, and our Country. A better person who is now more determined than ever for the candidacy for sheriff of Jennings County.
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