Nebraska's Lincoln County Board was in a quandary this week over whether or not to keep its newly hired county manager of information technology - who happened to be a convicted felon. The case represents a confluence of events that in the end begs the question: when, in some cases anyway, has a convicted criminal finished paying his dues to society?
According to a story in the North Platte Bulletin the issue surrounds Steen Nichols who was convicted of felony shoplifting in 2004 when he was the information systems instructor and manager of information systems at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. He was convicted of using university credit cards to purchase between $10,000 and $15,000 worth of computer equipment. He got two years probation, a $1,000 fine and was ordered to pay restitution. Nichols was released from probation in October 2005.
His conviction was set aside in December 2005. But in Nebraska the state does not erase convictions from the official record. The defendant's civil rights are restored however, according to the newspaper.
Move ahead to 2007. Nichols was hired March 19 as Lincoln county's manager of information technology for $43,000 per year. The job will let him access all 90 workstations throughout county offices and all county databases - including ongoing law enforcement investigations and records. And the county sheriff in particular is none too happy about that notion. "There is no way to set up audit trails to track where he has been and what files have been edited or deleted," Sheriff Jerome Kramer said in the newspaper report.
"Many of the files and reports that he has access to are very confidential and are not open to public viewing." Kramer said he was considering denying Nichols access to Lincoln County Sheriff Office computers. The computer technician "has the power not only to access and alter all reports and records but also has the power to shut down our entire reporting writing system," he said. "Since the report system is tied directly to the (911) dispatch center, he can also disable all police communications in Lincoln County," Kramer said. "This would include all police, sheriff and fire."
The county board went into closed session during its regular meeting Monday to consider the issue and ultimately decided to take no action on Sheriff Kramer's concerns. Nichols is expected to assume his duties April 1. What a nice working environment that will be.
Layer 8 is Network World's daily home for the not-just-networking news.
Contact Layer 8
Layer 8 archive
The opinions expressed in this Weblog are those of the writer and may not represent the opinions of Network World.
|
|
He's served his time
First off, it would be good understand what "set aside" means regarding the conviction. Was he exonerated? It's not clear.
Second, assuming Nichols was guilty anyway, he's served his time and paid his fine. What's the criminal justice system for if we don't believe that people can change, that justice requires punishment, but once served it's done.
It's more than question of trust or having served time
The other problem here is liability. If the county board decides to give him the benefit of the doubt, and he screws up again, they will be held liable to voters and potential legal action. This is why I'm teaching my children to THINK...some consequences will haunt you for the rest of your life. And if you need something (money or computer equipment :), make your request known to the Lord (Jesus)....don't steal to get what you want or need. Aint worth it.
IT Manager is a position
IT Manager is a position that demands total trust and integrity. Information is power. Thence, such power can't be entrusted to someone who might misuse this power.
Let Felons, not career crininals, be fogiven!
I also am a convicted felon. In different circumstances it would have been a state misdamenor, but it was proscecuted federally as a felony. I've served my time (6 mo home detention), made restitution, and it's been 5 years. It was a single stupid act/mistake. I've also received conseling.
According to a congressional survey, 5-7 years with a clean record and your no more likely to commit a crime than someone with no record at all. (Assumes not a career criminal or long list of convictions).
So... when will I be forgiven?
My current employer is understanding and has faith and trust in me. This took a while. Some clients, and most other employers are not so progressive.
That's the truth. If they
That's the truth. If they have done their time and paid the fine and can be trusted and has the expierince they should let him be an IT!!!!!!!!!
Why ask? FIRE HIM
Why ask? FIRE HIM !!!!!!!!!!!
There's always an idiot in
There's always an idiot in the crowd......
If you fire the felon
If you fire the felon Then it could put the focus on your misdealings.
Would you not be happier if everyone was busy judging the one who was caught.
It would help to take everone's attn off of you.
The only difference between the felons and most of everyone else is you have not been caught yet!!!
Felons are Human TOO!
I remember going through the system myself and I met a wide varity of people. Some that belonged and some that did not. Unfortunately society carrys a image of felons already and believe that we are no good, but who are they to judge, when there is already one man that I have to answer to and that is the man above & that's it!
I Remember a comment from one of the Sheriff's that I have never forgotten, He stated " the difference between him & I, was that I got caught and he didn't", so go figure society, that is how screwed up it is!
It's an issue of trust
Given the type of crime he committed, stealing(based on trust), I don't think its appropriate he be allowed to work in this environment with that much access to potentially damage the lives of others. Go work in corporate, where his access can be contained and monitored.