Instead of sheriff's deputies, what would Jefferson County look like with the National Guard on the streets?
With 40 percent of his department wiped out this morning in court, Sheriff Mike Hale says he would have to cut 300 deputies, which would leave a major hole in his staff and compromise public safety.
"Last night we had a homicide in Pleasant Grove, we had a homicide in Brighton, in the sleepy town of Pinson we had a burglary. The criminals are taking note of what's going on," says Hale.
Today Sheriff Hale called Governor Riley to first ask for funding.
"And if he could not, I asked if he would call out the National Guard," explains Hale.
Hale says if the Guard was called to Jefferson County, he would be able to keep on a few sheriff's deputies to be their guides with 1.5 million dollars he has seized from criminals.
So what does Sheriff Hale visualize for the National Guard in the county?
"I would be willing to swear them in as Deputy Sheriffs so we could carry out the office like transporting prisoners, helping out with investigations."
Would they carry guns?
"Yes, they need to be armed in Jefferson County!"
Would they wear their uniforms?
"I'm pretty comfortable them being in their uniform...it's just the way it is..it's the national guard."
Sheriff Hale says in this time of crisis, safety must be preserved.
"Look it's going to be odd to see National Guardsman doing that...but there is no other choice!"
