Proper procedure was followed

To The Eagle:

Laura Blain’s October 7 letter relates as fact details of a July 16 “assault” in our jail. The incident is currently under investigation by an independent law enforcement agency. The results have not been made public; therefore, Blain’s statements as to what occurred must be understood as hearsay, not established fact.

Mrs. Blain states the public was not promptly advised of the incident. She infers the Sheriff’s office, and Undersheriff Jon Dearmore particularly, were negligent. Mrs. Blain addresses Dearmore’s “platform” of “accountability” stating that “he failed to be accountable to the citizens when this incident occurred.” She states, “I believe that the citizens should have been notified immediately…”

Looking into this matter I determined the following: 1) Proper procedure was followed when the incident occurred: The jail supervisor was immediately notified, then the Sheriff, and then the Undersheriff. 2) The perceived threat to personnel was such an off duty deputy was called from home to assist. 3) All necessary personnel were on scene. This did not include the Under Sheriff. The Sheriff has assigned the Under Sheriff duties including oversight of patrol and administrative aspects of the department, not responsibility for jail operations. 4) State law is very specific as to the release of information to the public. Public disclosure must balance the “interests of the public” and protection of the “privacy” and “rights” of the accused. This was properly and lawfully addressed.

Mrs. Blain states, “we need a sheriff that works on behalf of the people.” Then, “Troy Norris has been volunteering…” and, “Troy Norris would serve the people with real accountability and open integrity.” Perhaps he would. “Jon Dearmore has been Undersheriff for eight years and hasn’t implemented his ideas…”, she states. Dearmore is the “Undersheriff”, not the Sheriff. Dearmore’s duty to the citizens is to do the job he was assigned and do it well. It was never his responsibility, nor appropriate for him, to “implement his ideas.” It was his responsibility to be an effective law enforcement officer, to follow department policies and fulfill the duties assigned to him by the Sheriff. This, to the best of my knowledge, he has done.

Laura Blain is absolutely correct when she states, “The citizens deserve honesty, fairness, and accountability…” She failed, however, to notify the public of a pertinent fact as she derided candidate Dearmore and praised candidate Troy Norris: She is Troy Norris’ sister.

Erick Erickson

Cathlamet