(A) The original appointment of all sworn personnel, subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, shall be made by the County Sheriff from those applicants who have been certified by the Commission as being qualified for appointment. The Commission shall, in its rules, set forth the minimum requirements for appointment to any position. Additionally, the Commission’s review of any application may include examination, investigation or any other method consistent with recognized merit principles which are reasonable and practical for any particular classification.
(B) Whenever a position in a higher rank is to be filled, the County Sheriff’s Merit Commission shall certify to the County Sheriff the names of persons who are eligible for promotion on the basis of ascertained merit, seniority of service and physical and other qualifying examinations. The County Sheriff shall appoint for promotions from those names certified by the Commission.
(C) All vacancies in all ranks of deputy sheriff above the lowest rank shall be filled by promotion, except that the Commission may provide in its rules and regulations that a former sheriff may be appointed by a successor sheriff to any rank after he or she has been certified by the Commission. Persons promoted to a higher rank shall be on probation in the higher rank for a period of 12 months. Such appointee may be demoted by the County Sheriff to his or her former rank at any time during the period of probation if, in the opinion of the County Sheriff, he or she has failed to demonstrate the ability and qualifications necessary to provide satisfactory service.
(D) All appointments and promotions shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and the rules and regulations of the Commission without consideration of the political affiliation of any applicant.
(Ord. 1991-2, passed 9-17-1991)