County Attorney To Lead Investigation of “Doggy-Gate”

County investigation does not remove the possibility of future TOSHA inspections.

The Jefferson County Mayor’s Office received an inquiry letter and demand for investigation from Tennessee Occupational Health and Safety Administration (TOSHA) in regard to a recent issue that has garnered attention in both the community and at County governmental meetings. The letter, dated October 25, 2012, informed Director of Facilities for Jefferson County David Longmire that an official complaint has been filed against the Jefferson County Justice Center, specifically directed at law enforcement. The complaint alleges that employees at the Sheriff’s Department are required to capture and transport vicious animals without proper training and that employees at the Sheriff’s Department are required to handle and transport vicious animals without the proper tools and equipment. Ron Rich, Public Sector Manager of TOSHA, instructed Director Longmire that an investigation, led by Jefferson County, was appropriate and that the findings of those investigations should be forwarded within 5 working days of receipt of the inquiry letter. Along with the findings, a detailed letter of corrections that have been taken to address the findings is also required. No penalty has been assessed to Jefferson County at this time. In order for TOSHA to impose a penalty, an investigation must be conducted. Rich informed the County that an investigation may be conducted by TOSHA if a response is not received from the County addressing the complaint by November 2, 2012, though it was noted that a County investigation does not remove the possibility of future TOSHA inspections, as deemed appropriate. The issue associated with the complaint was recently slotted to come before the County Commission for inquiry, however was removed by majority vote from the agenda. The Jefferson County Mayor’s Office, which was in receipt of the TOSHA complaint inquiry, has conferred with the County Attorney on the issue. The County Attorney, to remove any questions of bias within County departments, will take the lead in the inquiry process and Jefferson County Office of the Mayor intends to present any findings to TOSHA in a timely manner. Per instructions from TOSHA, a copy of the inquiry letter and the County response to the letter will be posted for easily accessibility to Jefferson County employees.