Several years ago I retired after 32 years in law enforcement. I am concerned about how our current election for Island County Sheriff is unfolding. In particular I am troubled by the departmental publicity surrounding the allegations against Deputy Jay Wallace, a candidate for sheriff.

I was on the command staff of a large police agency where I had considerable experience with internal investigations and as a disciplinary hearing officer. Internal affairs investigations are personnel matters and, because of the effect they can have on an officer’s reputation and career, are never discussed in public until all the true facts are known.  Judgments do have to be made, and in some cases the public needs to be informed, but only after the investigation is complete. Sometimes, when discipline is called for, it can range from a reprimand up to firing and even the filing of criminal charges. Many times it turns out the officer’s actions were justified. What is uncommon is for a department to make statements (Record, Feb. 11) that it appears an officer is guilty of wrongdoing as an inquiry is just being started. That is exactly what happened in this case. Although the deputy was not initially named, there could be no doubt his name would soon become public. While the department felt free to make judgmental statements to the press about what “appeared” to have happened, the deputy was ordered (News-Times, Feb. 15) not to talk about the matter.

Restricting the actions of an officer under investigation can be warranted in some cases. But just like in a court of law, it is simply not appropriate for the “trier of fact” (the department) to speculate about guilt or innocence until all the facts are in.

As the Whidbey News-Times editorial of Feb. 22 so succinctly pointed out, what makes this different is that Deputy Wallace is a candidate for Island County Sheriff. That fact alone demands this investigation be quickly brought to a conclusion and, absent some very compelling reason, that Deputy Wallace be allowed to speak about the case. Additionally, considering there are two candidates working at the Sheriff’s department, resolution of this matter takes on critical urgency in order to avoid any appearance of a political attack. Inappropriate statements may very well have come forth in the pressure of the moment, but steps must be taken right away if the department wants to avoid the appearance of political maneuvering.

The viability of Deputy Wallace’s candidacy will rightfully fall or survive based on what he did in the 911 matter. Nonetheless, the public deserves no less than a level political playing field on which to consider its candidates for the office of Island County Sheriff.

Tony Aguilar, a retired police captain, lives on South Whidbey.