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Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of columns by Dr. Banton, using his local, regional and state government experience to explain why the Cumberland Sheriff’s Office needs more funding. 

How much does it cost to hire and retain deputies? If Cumberland supervisors somehow believe they can do it cheaper than the current rate, I would advise them to attend seminars regarding the cost of public safety and crime prevention in Virginia. It is quite possible that they would be stunned to learn that Crime Grade.Org predicts that the 2025 cost of crime in Cumberland County could reach $4.46 million which equates to a cost of $1,070 per Cumberland household, a cost of $462 per resident, and crime-related costs will account for 1.2% of the median household income for county residents.

The above costs include all police investigation time, all court costs, transportation costs, and police state/ local laboratory costs. For comparison, other local per resident costs in Virginia are as follows: Portsmouth ($867), Loudoun County ($236),  and nationwide ($464). The data from CrimeGrade primarily focuses on tangible costs, however, the true impact of crime extends beyond economics. It is difficult to quantify victims’ pain and suffering, but research-based methodologies help estimate all effects.

When CrimeGrade uses all methodologies, they calculate that the intangible cost of crime in Cumberland County totals $13,774,206 or $1,427 per resident. When these intangible costs are added to the tangible costs, it produces the total estimated cost of Cumberland County crime of  $18,230,626 or $1,889 per resident. 

One is cautioned to remember that crime occurs where people gather, whether they live there or not. Because Cumberland County has state parks and nature trails used by residents and nonresidents, one should not assume that the county is totally unsafe. Consider both per-capita crime rates and total crime rates, as well as the types of destinations nearby.

Looking at the rates

So what does the data say? Cumberland County’s Violent Crime Rates: Assault 1.797, Robbery .0377, Rape 0.5805, Murder 0.0997. Total Violent Crime 2.855 (Rates based upon every 1,000 citizens)

Cumberland County’s Property Crime Rates: Theft 10.53, Vehicle Theft 1.014, Burglary 1.541, Arson 0.0950. Total Property Crime Rate 13.18 (Rates based upon every 1,000 citizens) 

Other Crime Rates for Cumberland: Kidnapping 0.1680, Drug Crimes 3.494, Vandalism 6.213. Identity Theft 0.9837, Animal Cruelty 0.1464, All “Other” Rate 11.01 (Rates based upon every 1,000 citizens).

About 19 months ago, Cumberland Sheriff Hodges, Prince Edward County Sheriff Epps, and Farmville Police Chief Andy Ellington, joined forces to execute a search warrant at a local residence which led to the  seizure of  22 stolen firearms. The ATF states that 70% of all trafficked stolen guns found in New York originated in what is referred to as the “Iron Pipeline” which runs along the I-95 corridor. The top three states from which those guns came were 15% from Virginia, 13% from Georgia, and 13% from Pennsylvania. Because of their excellent investigative work, Cumberland’s Sheriff Hodges and his two local partners, (Chief Ellington and Sheriff Epps) have effectively reduced the possibility of the deadly use of those stolen firearms.

Every Cumberland County citizen should recognize that the results of this excellent police work in this operation proves what can be done “when” there is  adequate funding of our local law enforcement agencies.  

Numerous citizens have commented that the Cumberland Board of Supervisors “does not adequately fund” their Sheriff’s Dept. The reality of such a situation could easily produce serious and dangerous consequences for both the deputies and the citizens of Cumberland. To emphasize this point and to be blunt, A Sheriff’s Department should never have to plead for funding to repair the department’s police vehicles. Such a necessity speaks volumes regarding the lack of priority that a Governing Board places on the safety of its citizens and county officers. It is also quite possible that such neglect could encourage citizens to file law suits against the Cumberland Board of Supervisors for negligence because of (1) Duty of Care, (2) Breach of Duty, and (3) Proximate Cause.  Some authorities refer to such situations as “A But For Situation”.

Simply stated, “But for the lack of adequate funding by the Cumberland B.O.S. for the repair of a county police vehicle, the accident and injuries would  likely never have  happened.”