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Residents press commissioners on where to file complaints about deputies
Summary
Multiple speakers told the commissioners there is no public trust in the sheriff's office and asked where citizens should file complaints; county officials advised complaints can be routed to the peace officer post board, the attorney general's office, or BCI depending on the allegation, and urged people to present complaints to county staff to be forwarded appropriately.
Several members of the public told commissioners they lack confidence in the sheriff's office and asked how to file complaints against deputies. One resident asked, "If they have a complaint that they need to file against a member of the deputy of the Sheriff's Department, do we really do we file it?" County officials responded that complaints can be submitted to county staff and will be forwarded to the peace officer post board, the attorney general's office, or the Bureau of Criminal Investigation as appropriate.
A state trooper representative clarified that while their office can assist in taking statements and forwarding jurisdictional matters, they generally do not investigate another agency's internal affairs; instead they would refer matters to PCI or the state's attorney when required. Public commenters urged more accessible options — including having state troopers take private statements — and called for commissioners to consider public trust when hiring new sheriffs.
