Perhaps it is the English teacher inside me.  Or, maybe it is simply that I have high expectations for those that hold public office.

Regardless, to receive an email from the Wasatch County Sheriff that demonstrates his inability to master basic English grammar and, at the same time, attacks me, the victim, hurts.

However, once the shock wears off, like it did a few months after I was assaulted, I can only feel disgusted and angry.

Less than two months after being thrown to the floor three times and threatened with the words, “I’m going to choke you out,” I asked that the Wasatch County Sheriff review the incident. The primary reason I did not press charges against Brian Hoyt, was fear. The officer that answered my call kept saying, “I’ve dealt with you before.” (Evidently, ending sentences with preposition is common in Wasatch County.)

I protested.

While my mother suggested that I am “middle-aged,” I’m not that old; I remember things well. I’m a writer.  I’m like an elephant.

I can tell you that the one and only time a man has ever beaten me was on Thanksgiving night last year and I have NEVER contacted the Wasatch County Police Department.

Perhaps the good Sheriff was upset because I copied the Summit County Sheriff and the Peace House.  I celebrated the response from my local Sheriff’s office.

Perhaps the good Sheriff was bothered because I’m a woman. I’m articulate. I write.

Perhaps he already knows where the fault lies.

The good Sheriff, however, is in a position of “authority.” (Apparently, that position does not require a basic grasp of the English language.)

It should, however, require basic human decency. An elected official should never imply that a crime is the fault of the victim nor should s/he require the victim to “meet . . . here” in the “near future.”

Reporting an assault is scary. First, there’s the physical injury. Then, there’s shock.

With my minimal training as a firefighter and EMT, I know that victims settle into a state of shock after trauma. One would think that a career officer would know that, too. (Notice the correct use of the word “too,” also.)

Instead, after a simple suggestion that the Sheriff provide additional support and training, I received the following:

Ms. Hooker,

I appreciate your email, and I am always very interested in how my officers handle the calls that they get dispatched too.  I have taken your complaint as well as the report that Deputy ______________  has written about the incident.  I turned it over to a supervisor over the patrol division to look into.  I will however, let you know that I have instructed this supervisor to make contact with Summit County for their report to find out what really went on because your statement and Deputy ____________’s report conflict a lot as to what really went on.  I would think that it would be a good idea to meet with __________________ here in the near future to share your side of the incident so that he has all the facts.  I will guarantee that this will be looked into.  Again, thank you for the information.

The contact person for the complaint will be Lt. __________ .  Please feel free to contact him at  ___________________ or by email at _________________________.

Thank you,

Sheriff Todd Bonner

Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office
Part of me wishes I lived in Wasatch County and had a vote over there. Most of me is grateful I live in Summit County where I am safe.