POST tables Unicoi County reinstatement request to collect records and legal guidance

Unicoi County officials asked the POST Commission on Feb. 20 to consider reinstating Jonathan Demeris, whose certification had been revoked by default in 2021 after a failed psychological evaluation. County representatives told the commission Demeris had been a whistleblower and described subsequent developments in local leadership.

Commissioners and county officials discussed whether the default could be unwound or whether reinstatement would require reentry to basic academy or transition school. The county asked for the chance to provide additional documentation, including confirmation from local leadership that there was no objection to rehiring. One county official said he had called the interim Erwin police chief, who "indicated to me that there was no reason why we shouldn't hire him."

Commissioners raised legal questions about how to unwind a default order and whether the commission had the authority to reinstate without academy retraining. Because those legal questions were unresolved and additional documentation was requested, the commission voted to table the matter for one month and invited the county and local police to appear by Zoom to reduce travel burden.

Staff told the county what documentation would help the panel and the commission scheduled follow‑up for the next meeting.