Whatcom County undersheriff on paid leave during investigation of undisclosed allegations
Whatcom County Undersheriff Steve Harris is on paid leave as unspecified allegations against him are being investigated independent of the Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said Wednesday.
Tanksley said in a emailed statement that his move is procedural in such cases.
“It is a common practice for law enforcement agencies to place employees on administrative leave while an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct are being completed. Paid administrative leave is non-disciplinary, and does not mean that the agency is acknowledging that the allegations against the employee are true,” Tanksley said.
An “independent investigator” will look into complaints made to Tanksley and the county’s Human Resources Department.
Tanksley’s statement didn’t specify who will conduct the investigation or what the allegations involve, except to say they are not criminal in nature.
“The public holds government employees to a high level of conduct: We do, too. At the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, integrity is a cornerstone value that helps ensure we are serving all community members and WCSO staff fairly, equitably and consistent with our mission, vision and values. In addition, it is the WCSO mission to ‘… uphold the highest standards of performance, behavior and ethics through our conduct, appearance, demeanor and decision-making.’ We also hold each individual to the value of integrity, maintaining credibility with each other and our constituents through honesty, consistency, loyalty and accountability,” Tanksley said in his statement.
Harris, who has nearly three decades of service with the Sheriff’s Office, was promoted from in December, following Tanksley’s election as sheriff in November. He had previously served as a deputy and detective.
This story was originally published September 4, 2024 at 3:50 PM.
