Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners debate hiring recommendation for sheriff's deputy after Public Safety Commission vote; concerns over nepotism stall action
Summary
The Public Safety Commission recommended hiring an applicant who is the sheriff's son; the PSC voted 2–1 to recommend the hire but Daniels County commissioners raised nepotism and process concerns and did not move forward with a hire at the March 16 meeting.
The county's Public Safety Commission brought a recommendation March 16 to hire a candidate for deputy sheriff who is the son of the sheriff. Commissioners and PSC members described the PSC process and how the sheriff recused himself when the matter was discussed.
Public Safety Commission members said they had processed the application and interviews and that the PSC voted 2–1 to recommend hiring. PSC members also described the commission’s role as an intermediary designed to buffer employment decisions from direct departmental pressure. Several PSC members noted a broader hiring shortage and that advertising had produced few qualified applicants.
Multiple commissioners expressed concern about the appearance and risks of nepotism. One commissioner said, “we have enough problems with nepotism as it is right now in this county,” and declined to advance the hire. Commissioners discussed alternatives, including wider advertising in neighboring states and using recruiting assistance. No county-level appointment or hire was made during the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue recruitment and outreach efforts and noted PSC remains the conduit for any employment issues involving deputies.
The PSC and sheriff’s office said they would continue to advertise the vacancy more widely and explore recruitment options; the PSC noted the statutory structure requires an under-sheriff function for continuity of operations.
