(A) Disciplinary measures for actions violating either the rules or regulations of the Commission or the internal procedures of the Sheriff’s office may be taken by the Sheriff. Such disciplinary measures may include suspension of any certified person for reasonable periods, not exceeding a cumulative 30 days in any 12-month period.
(B) The Commission, after a hearing upon charges filed pursuant to this subchapter, and the finding of guilty thereof, may order any of the following disciplinary measures which, in the opinion of the Commission, the offense merits:
(1) Suspension for a period not to exceed 180 days;
(2) Demotion; and/or
(3) Discharge and removal from the Sheriff’s Department.
(C) If the charges against an accused person are not established by the preponderance of evidence, that Commission shall make a finding of not guilty and shall order that the person be reinstated and be paid his or her compensation for the suspension period, if any, while awaiting the hearing. The Sheriff shall take such action as may be ordered by the Commission.
(Res. passed 10-17-2012)