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State's attorney defends disciplinary steps after confidentiality complaints; commissioners consider countywide policy
Summary
State's Attorney Jamie told the commission the office placed a deputy on administrative leave, investigated reported confidentiality breaches and enacted disciplinary measures; commissioners and staff discussed the need for a written confidentiality agreement and consistent disciplinary policy across county departments.
State's Attorney Jamie addressed the Griggs County Commission on July 8 after commissioners relayed concerns from members of the public about alleged breaches of confidentiality by a deputy in the state's attorney’s office.
Jamie said the county’s deputy was placed on administrative leave when reports came in, the office investigated and "made the determination of what the appropriate discipline was, and we enacted it," and emphasized the matter was not "swept under the rug." Jamie invited members of the public to meet privately with the state’s attorney and the deputy to express concerns.
Commissioners and staff pressed for clarity on whether prior incidents existed and whether disciplinary decisions were consistent across county offices. Jamie acknowledged prior reports had been part of the disciplinary consideration and said she consulted other state's attorneys for guidance; she also said county employees should sign written confidentiality agreements.
Commissioner Bridal and other commissioners said county departments should apply uniform discipline policies. Commissioners directed staff to work with the human-resources function to draft a countywide confidentiality agreement and a consistent disciplinary policy for county employees.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they had received several calls from constituents who said they had lost trust in the county office after the reports. Jamie said the county took the allegations seriously, placed the deputy on administrative leave during the investigation and carried out discipline. Commissioners and staff said a written county policy would create consistent expectations and give HR clear procedures to follow.
Next steps: State's Attorney Jamie said she will meet with interested members of the public who request a meeting. The commission asked staff to draft a confidentiality agreement and a countywide disciplinary policy for review at a future meeting. Jamie also said she would share model policies used by Parkview hospital and other officials for HR to adapt.
