Corrections deputy in training resigns amid investigation into discriminatory remarks
A corrections deputy in training resigned to avoid being fired after being investigated for making discriminatory remarks, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office shared on Tuesday.
The Sheriff’s Office learned about the remarks on Sept. 12 from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, which prepares and certifies officers.
The deputy in question reportedly made “discriminatory remarks pertaining to Hispanic and Muslim persons of color,” according to a news release. As a result, the deputy was put on a “emergency suspension” while CJTC investigated the incident.
The release says CJTC “substantiated this investigation” and determined the deputy lied during an interview with an investigator.
The Sheriff’s Office also investigated the deputy in training after receiving the complaint. When this happened, the release indicates the deputy opted to resign to avoid being fired as a probationary employee.
However, the Sheriff’s Office completed their investigation despite the deputy’s resignation, according to the release. The Sheriff’s Office ultimately concluded the deputy would have been terminated if he did not resign.
The Sheriff’s Office sent a notice of separation form to the CJTC, which also has the authority to decertify law enforcement who commit misconduct and dishonesty, the release says. Such a move would prevent the individual from being hired into law enforcement in the future.
“The conduct and dishonesty of this former employee does not reflect the values of Thurston County Sheriff’s Office or the citizens we serve,” the news release reads.
Sheriff Derek Sanders commented on the situation on his own Facebook page.
“Good deputies reporting serious misconduct of moral turpitude, followed up with concise consequences, is what will keep this profession moving forwards,” Sanders wrote.
