Regarding the letter (July 5), "Sheriff's department needs modernization," by Chris Hargett:

Hargett agrees with Bob Hinson, a potential candidate for sheriff of Guilford County, that the Sheriff's Department should seek a helicopter for law enforcement needs.

When I was sheriff of Guilford County, my staff and I looked into such a possibility. A surplus military helicopter was available to us at no cost to the local taxpayers. However, once we calculated the costs of training/hiring a pilot, the costs of fuel, maintenance and mandated frequent overhauls, no justification could be made considering the limited use we'd have for one. Those resources could be better spent for new personnel and increased patrols in the county.

As sheriff, you have a responsibility to the taxpayers to spend their taxes wisely resulting in the most kick for the dollar. Needs must be prioritized based on money available. Showboating with a helicopter is just that -- showboating.

Jim Proffitt
Greensboro

The writer was sheriff in Guilford County from 1982 to 1986.