Press Release: Regarding Incident at the ERT Banquet

[W. Burke]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (21:00h After conclusion of SCSD Shift)

Over the course of the day, information has come to the attention of the Emergency Response Team, alleging a fight and assault on a security guard by members of agencies under the county management. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) has begun an internal investigation into this, and determined that no members of the ERT were involved in the event. Our investigation has determined that three Shiloh County Sheriff Department (SCSD) Deputies, and one Shiloh County Fire Department (SCFD) Firefighter were involved in the incident. At this time, the ERT is working with the SCSD's Professional Standards Division to conduct a full investigation into any criminal behaviour or any behaviour contrary to the Department's Professional Standards Policy. While no charges have been laid, the State Police have been notified of this investigation, and if charges are laid, or any ensuing investigations determine charges are necessary, all charges will be referred to the State Police. 

Effectively immediately, all SCSD members involved have been removed from active street operations, being reassigned to administrative duties, and will remain there until all investigations are complete. Additionally, all members of the SCSD involved are being sent for de-escalation training, a refresher of training given on a regular basis to all deputies. Under my recommendation, the Sheriff has agreed to retrain these individuals. 

Allegations have been made that several other off duty deputies had witnessed this incident and had not intervened. We are currently reviewing policy with the SCSD's legal team to see if any violations of policy were made and if not, to amend the policy to prevent an incident from happening like this in the future. This is a regrettable incident that will be corrected. 

Allegations that a member of the SCFD was also involved appear to be true. The SCFD has provided full cooperation to the ERT in investigating this manner. The firefighter in question has been placed on administrative duties and will be thoroughly investigated, as well as mandated into counselling and retraining. 

For media inquiries, or to arrange for comment, please contact Media Relations below.

Commissioner W. Burke
Shiloh County ERT Commissioner
Badge Reg 0801