(A) The Board shall hold regular monthly meetings throughout the year as is necessary to transact the business of the Sheriff’s Department.
(I.C. 36-8-10-3(d))
(B) The Sheriff, with the approval of the Board, shall establish a classification of ranks, grades, and positions for county police officers in the Department.
(I.C. 36-8-10-10(a))
(C) For each rank, grade, and position established, the Sheriff, with the approval of the Board, shall set reasonable standards of qualifications and fix the prerequisites of training, education, and experience.
(I.C. 36-8-10-10(a))
(D) The Sheriff, with the approval of the Board, shall devise and administer examinations designed to test applicants for the qualifications required for the respective ranks, grades, or positions. After these examinations, the Sheriff and the Board shall jointly prepare a list naming only those applicants who, in the opinion of both the Sheriff and the Board, best meet the prescribed standards and prerequisites. The Sheriff appoints county police officers but only from among the persons whose names appear on this list. All county police officers appointed to the Department under this subchapter are on probation for a period of one year from the date of appointment.
(I.C. 36-8-10-10(b))
(E) The Merit Board may recommend the number and salary of the personnel, but the County Fiscal Body shall determine the budget and salaries.
(I.C. 36-8-10-4(b))
(F) To conduct fair public hearings (reviewable in the Circuit Court) on the matter of discharge, demotion, or temporary suspension of more than 15 days of any county police officer, other than probationers, after charge(s) are preferred in writing against such member, and after a copy of said charge(s) is/are delivered to such member by certified mail. The Board shall make specific findings of fact, in writing, to support its final decision. The Board has subpoena powers enforceable by the Circuit Court for hearings held under this authority. An officer on probation can be dismissed by the Sheriff without a right to a hearing.
(BC Ord. 2000-9, passed 9-18-00)