OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE COUNTY SHEIFF'S OFFICE: Do you believe a sheriff or police chief should be forced by an arbitrator
to rehire a peace officer if the peace officer has been found, during an
investigation, to have committed an illegal act or an act of dishonesty in the
discharge of his/her official duties?
Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich has proposed legislation in
Washington State that would stop arbitrators from ordering the reinstatement of
a peace officer in this situation unless the arbitrator also overturns the
finding the peace officer engaged in an illegal act or act of dishonesty.
This proposed legislation is supported by all of the Sheriffs of the State
of Washington and Washington State Representative Kevin Parker (6th District)
has agreed to sponsor the bill.
Last week, Sheriff Knezovich sent individual letters to Spokane area
Senators and Representatives asking for their support. An email with copies of
the letters and proposed legislation was also sent to all of the remaining
Senators and Representatives of Washington State asking for their support.
Sheriff Knezovich stated in his letter, "The legislation is not about
eliminating the Due Process, the just cause standard nor the arbitration process
concerning disciplinary matters."
"This proposed legislation is about integrity, the integrity of a
profession." wrote Sheriff Knezovich.
If you would like to contact us, would like further information or want to
let us know your thoughts about Sheriff Knezovich's proposal, please send us an
email at
sheriff@spokanecounty.org
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