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POST closes Ray County probe, finds White County used noncertified deputies solo but agency corrected practice and enrolled them in academy
Summary
POST investigators found Ray County’s animal-control uniform caused confusion but took no action; in White County investigators found five deputies working solo without certification, the agency immediately corrected the practice and enrolled the deputies in academy training; POST agreed to offer training and follow-up.
POST investigators reported on multiple reviews of county departments for allegations that noncertified personnel had been used in solo patrol roles.
Ray County: Investigator report said the apparent violation stemmed from an animal-control employee wearing the same uniform as deputy sheriffs after graduating the academy. The POST investigator said the officer had actually completed the academy and that the department agreed to change animal‑control uniforms to avoid future confusion. The commission took no further action.
White County: POST investigators told commissioners that five deputies had been working in solo roles without final certification. Major Lynch of the White County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the department misunderstood the rule and immediately placed the deputies on paired or supervised status; the deputies were entered into an academy class in January and three of them remained in the academy at the time of the March meeting. One deputy had resigned and another was scheduled for the next available academy. Commission members asked POST to offer regional training and to follow up; the commission approved scheduling targeted training and directed staff to report back after the training and follow-up checks.
Ending: POST accepted corrective action from both counties and will follow up with training support and monitoring; White County will return verification of certification completion for the deputies who were enrolled in the academy.
