Item: Review panel's role in jeopardy: Deputies' appeals process may change/Erica Curless, Spokesman-Review

More Info: A citizen board that reviews the suspension and firing of sheriff's deputies is upset that the Kootenai County Commission might forgo the volunteer board in favor of a paid hearing officer. The county commission is considering the change on the recommendation of its insurance company, saying it's a way to reduce the county's chances of getting sued. Kootenai County is the only Idaho county insured by Idaho Counties Risk Management Program that has a three-member volunteer Merit Commission.

Question: Would you prefer a merit commissioner or a hearing examiner to review firings and suspensions of sheriff's deputies?

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