Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Law Enforcement Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves creation of three part-time deputies after Sheriff disbands reserve program
Summary
Following the sheriff's decision to disband the county reserve program, the commission authorized the hire of three part-time certified deputies to cover event and scene security; reserves raised concerns about how the change was communicated and who will cover overtime and academy costs.
Undersheriff Ryan Rohr told commissioners the sheriff has disbanded the Sheriff's Office Reserve Program and asked permission to hire three part-time certified deputy positions to cover event management and scene security. "I'm requesting 3 part time certified deputy positions to cover the resulting gap in event management and scene security," Rohr said, adding that the positions would be largely self-sustaining through reimbursements from entities that contract security.
Reserve members told the board they were surprised by the change and said communication was limited. One reserve speaker said the reserves were told Saturday that the program was ending and that some reserves have given years of service. "It was just told. You guys are done," a reserve said. Jim Pittman, a reserve for 4.5 years, clarified how event payments worked and cautioned about overtime implications if responsibilities shift to full-time staff. Commissioners questioned academy costs, reimbursement details, and whether three part-time hires are sufficient; the commission voted 4-1 to authorize hiring three part-time reserve officers, with one commissioner recording opposition. The motion recorded in the transcript passed 4 to 1.
