Press Release by Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders September 10th, 2024
“The actions of our deputy compromised trust, disturbed operational efficiency, and caused significant harm toward women both in law enforcement and in our community.” - Sheriff Derek Sanders
Press Release by Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders September 10th, 2024:
RE: TCSO Deputy Disciplined, Suspended Without Pay
In July of 2023, TSCO launched an internal investigation in the conduct of a deputy.
The complaint alleged that the deputy took a recording from his body cam footage without my consent, posted it to social media, and used that footage to make a disparaging comment toward a female officer, stating that “women don’t belong in law enforcement.”
The deputy also self-reported their actions.
After a thorough investigation, discrimination allegations were substantiated.
At the end of the complaint process, I determined that a suspension without pay and remedial training was appropriate discipline.
The Deputy Sheriff’s Association leadership filed a grievance, arguing the discipline was too severe and didn’t qualify as discrimination.
I denied the grievance, leading to an arbitration hearing for final resolution.
While waiting the decision of the arbitrator, the Deputy Sheriff Association leadership wrote a complaint letter to the Board of County Commissioners, alleging that I violated employee due process, refused to settle the case, and accused TCSO command staff of leading an “emotionally charged and biased investigation”.
Last week, the arbitrator ruled exclusively in my favor by denying the grievance and upholding the imposed discipline.
Furthermore, the arbitrator asserted that due process was in fact followed, that efforts were made to settle the matter prior to arbitration, the investigation was fair and objective, and that the discipline met the requirements of just cause under state law.
The actions of our deputy compromised trust, disturbed operational efficiency, and caused significant harm toward women both in law enforcement and in our community.
I fully expect that this marks the closure of this matter so that all impacted parties can move forward.
If Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is to succeed, our workplace must be one that is inclusive to all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, or any other class of people subject to discrimination.
Women excel in this profession, providing value contributions and perspective throughout our ranks.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate discrimination of any kind and will continue to go to whatever lengths necessary to ensure fair discipline is imposed with remedial training when applicable.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders