I live in SC , if the sheriff is firing deputies for what appears to be personal reasons is there anything that can be done..Is ther a higher up that they can go to in order to voice their complaints and have something done about it.
2007-02-27 07:01:55 · 13 answers · asked by kassidyrose1 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
There have been several cases before the courts in a miriad of different states where deputies did not fall under the civil service laws.
Even though they were not civil service, the sheriff's firing those deputies were reversed by the courts.
Times have changed where the sheriff of the past may have enjoyed the ability to hire and fire at will, however, he must now have justification for firing a deputy.
A deputy where I work would be given the option of resigning or getting fired. The idea of resigning in good favor was the option over being fired and then attempting to look for another law enforcement job with such unfavorable prior employment.
There is one deputy about to file for "wrongful termination" and based upon what I know...more than likely going to win his case!
Best option is to hire a good attorney who is familiar with the civil service laws and states ethics laws.
Best wishes!
2007-02-27 07:09:41 · answer #1 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Michigan, the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in each county is the Prosecuting Attorney.
The Prosecuting Attorney is the only person with authority to arrest the Sheriff.
Obviously this could be over-ruled if there was a federal violation against that person, then they would be prosecuted/arrested by the Attorney General's office and Department of Justice.
The county commisioners have some say over the Sheriff's budget but since the Sheriff is an elected official, they have to answer to the voters.
If there is obvious dereliction of duty then he/she can be removed from office following your state's protocols.
Godspeed
2007-02-27 18:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If elected, then there is little that can be done other than not not reelect. I suppose that if the citizens are sufficiently mad, the sheriff can be impeached or recalled.
If appointed, then it's whoever did the appointment (e.g., mayor).
All of this said, if you believe the sheriff is committing a crime, contact the DA. If you believe the DA is "in bed" with the sheriff, you can always contract the AG or even the FBI. But, remember, this for an actual crime. Firing people, even for "personal reasons" is not a crime.
2007-02-27 15:11:22 · answer #3 · answered by Jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the United States a sheriff is generally (but not always) the highest, usually elected, law enforcement officer of a county. Seems like your voice can be heard at the next County Sheriff's Department meeting or the next election.
2007-02-27 15:13:29 · answer #4 · answered by Sue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not it is the County Coroner that has the firing power of the Sheriff. It has to of corse so before thhe county board but the coroner is the person.
2007-02-27 15:10:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the Sheriff is the top of the food chain....at least that's how it goes in all of the movies. He's an elected official.
2007-02-27 15:08:58 · answer #6 · answered by Michael E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is overseen by the county council of the county he is sheriff of. Complaints would be refered to the council.
2007-02-27 15:10:46 · answer #7 · answered by Poli Sci / Law Prof 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the County Commissioner or the State Attorney. That is my guess, I don't really know.
2007-02-27 20:39:30 · answer #8 · answered by Auburn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I figger it would be the elected Commissioner (Judge) of the Commissioner's Court. That's the highest in the county.
2007-02-27 15:11:10 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The mayor.
2007-02-27 15:16:11 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋