Published: June 17, 2009 11:36 pm      

Accountability a must if deputies are to work off-duty OT

CUMBERLAND — One thing Allegany County officials don’t want is a repeat of the past, which includes at least a handful of instances of cash payments to sheriff’s deputies as compensation for working off-duty overtime assignments.

Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Mackert said ABATE of Maryland Inc., which conducts an annual event at the Allegany County Fairgrounds each June with more than 400 people, contracted with sheriff’s deputies as private individuals when event coordinators learned the Sheriff’s Office was not permitted to accept off-duty overtime duties.

Mackert said deputies wore civilian clothing with printed T-shirts designating each of them as an “off-duty sheriff’s deputy.” Further, each deputy used his personal firearm, handcuffs and cell phones for communication.

Mackert said Sheriff David Goad received a letter from county officials indicating it was a violation of county policy to work in such a manner because it could potentially put the county at risk in the event of an incident or emergency. Mackert said it was further evidence of the county commissioners’ “vindictiveness” against those deputies who chose to remain with Goad.

County officials, however, countered that it’s a liability issue. Sheriff’s Lt. Craig Robertson agreed, at least in part.

“It sounded to me the county’s concerned if something would happen ” at the fairgrounds with an off-duty deputy, Robertson said after meeting with acting County Administrator David Eberly and Bureau of Police Deputy Chief Bobby Dick, for nearly an hour on Wednesday.

If the officer is injured or, perhaps found at fault for injuring someone else, there could be questions as to who is held liable. Workman’s compensation and costs related to uniform and equipment use also are issues, Robertson said.

“My answer,” Robertson said, “is whether they’re working an off-duty assignment or not, if something occurs, they’re obligated to react. They’re basically on duty 24 (hours a day), seven (days a week).”

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.