Many things have to be considered now that Former Chief Dale Mondary’s resignation has gone into effect last night. One of them is the following. What is the new Chief (for now) Jim Henson going to do differently in Desert Hot Springs under his full leadership now that Chief Mondary is not running the Department any more?
Does the markedly different approach to traffic enforcement that we’re seeing this weekend give us a window into where Chief Henson wants to take the Department in the future?
Because for several days now (approximately a week) we’ve seen stepped up traffic stops in DHS and anyone who observes for this type of thing would see it. The familiar locations where the DHSPD has parked to watch for stop sign violations or speeders now sees stepped up cruiser placement in those spots waiting to catch violators on a more regular basis. We see more blue lights flashing and more motor vehicles being detained on Palm than usual right now.
All of these increases are not being judged as good or bad, they are just being illuminated with some light so that we may ask a question that we will only get an answer to it by observing activities or through communication with the DHSPD.
Most Police Departments don’t telegraph all of their future changes to S.O.P.’s so for the most part it’s up to us citizens to pay attention and look for signs of changes in activity by our taxpayer funded Public Servants.
Or this could all be a sign of the holiday weekend we’re enjoying. Memorial Day weekend that is. This weekend is a normally busy traffic enforcement weekend with P.D. and CHP officers stepping up patrols looking to catch distracted or intoxicated drivers on the road during this long weekend.
Either way it’s still a good idea to be aware that some changes to our DHSPD are sure to come now that our last Police Chief has left the Department. Whether or not Police Chief Jim Henson is awarded the Department to run for the long term or he is succeeded by a new Police Chief or even if Chief Mondary is hired back into his old job here in DHS, the future remains to be seen .
So in the meantime it would be a good idea to do what you are supposed to do anyway which is slow down, observe posted speed limits. don’t drink and drive, be courteous to other drivers, and put your cell phone away while operating a motor vehicle.
Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend and thank a Vet if you come across one.
