Appeals sounded for higher law enforcement spending

Oconee County Council heard appeals last night for higher spending to help the cops and the judges keep the bad guys off the streets.  The occasion was the annual hearing on the new Oconee County budgets.  Chief Magistrate Todd Simmons complained that he and his colleagues are constrained by the lack of a database of information that gives a true reading of a suspect’s past criminal record as a judge decides the terms of his bond.  Appreciative of the council’s funding of a new part time magistrate, Simmons said two such positions are needed for him to set up a central bond court that would operate mornings and afternoons at the jail.  Townville resident Wayne Thompson endorsed Simmons’ remarks.  A burglar victim last month, Thompson was motivated to help arrange a town hall meeting that attracted 160 people.  Thompson retired to Townville, a community that is bi-sected by both Oconee and Anderson counties.  He complained that in recent months criminals, under the influence of methamphetamines, have gone on a stealing spree in what used to be a quiet community.  More deputies are needed, Thompson said last night.