The ethically-challenged San Bernardino County is expected to receive yet another black eye within a week or so. Sheriff's Department officials are accused of falsifying training records that were submitted to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), resulting in tens of thousands of dollars being paid to each recipient that was not earned.
P.O.S.T. was created to set minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. Certificates include basic, intermediate, advanced, supervisory, management, and executive. Specialized certificates can also be awarded. Each new level brings with it a raise in hourly pay.
Sources close to the investigation say that up to 27 sealed indictments were issued this past Friday by two grand juries. Some of those involved are said to be high-level officials of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the indictments could go all the way to the top.
The story originally came to light last year when a local political blog, iepolitics.com, reported details of the story the department had attempted to cover up. Mainstream media did not pick it up. However, during the 2010 Primary when appointed incumbent Sheriff Rodney Hoops faced two opponents, transportation officer Mark Averbeck, and Los Angeles Sheriff's Department deputy Paul Schrader, the issue resurfaced and some local media covered the story. Hoops quickly dismissed it as having been fully investigated.
Originally, the department claimed that three individuals were involved including, including a captain and his wife. The captain was allowed to pay back approximately $16,000 and then retire. His wife was transferred to a new assignment. But a report surfaced showing many more than three participants. The department continued to cover up the story but eventually the Grand Jury became involved. Now the department's employees are waiting to find out how many of their management staff will be indicted. An answer is expected by March 7.
Comments
What a story. When does it stop at that place. Nice story
As a long time member of this dept. I wear my uniform with pride and integrity! It breaks my heart that those who have the most power to promote a positive influence and present a shining example, play games in the shadows and smear the name of those of us who uphold the true purpose of public safety. I am ashamed of their poor choices and wish that a pair of proverbial cowboy boots could be applied to correct those choices. As a "little person" in this department, I will continue to serve with ethics and high morals, and will just hope that people judge my service, based upon my service and not my administration. No one is above the law and as law enforcement we are supposed to hold ourselves to higher standards, as an example to those we serve. Shame on all who forget that!!
As a fellow "little person" I agree with you. I work honestly, ethically and with pride. Working in the trenches, the public will see the front line first and judge us because of some administration's choices. I have some boots you could use.
I am also a lowly person in this department and can see that the good ole boys are in trouble. If you play golf or wear those cowboy boots you already have a head start over most. This article does not mention that that Captain was allowed to retire and then put in for a medical retirement which gives 50% of his retirement pay TAX free also. And I remember the old and new sheriff arriving at station by helocopters many times which is something mentioned on iepolitics.com. I'm sure a hand slap is all they will get...but if it was one of us lower pay grades....we would be unemployed.
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