Dec.
6, 2019
DMAPS
provides update on DCR photo investigation
CHARLESTON,
W.Va. – Three individuals have been fired and 34 remain suspended without pay, and
the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety and its
Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation work to complete the investigation
into a photo of a training class, Secretary Jeff Sandy said Friday.
The three
terminations are of two correctional academy trainers and one of the Basic
Training Class #18 cadets in the photo. The remaining trainees in the photo
remain suspended without pay, via DCR policy that does allow them to apply any earned
annual leave during such a suspension.
Investigators
have conducted more than 50 interviews at the Glenville academy and other
facilities. Sandy, DCR Commissioner Betsy Jividen and their leadership teams have
been reviewing the statements and other evidence throughout the investigation,
with Sandy estimating that the investigation is nearing completion.
Sandy has also
cautioned that until the investigation is complete, and because of personnel
rules and protections outlined in West Virginia’s civil service system, the release
of specifics such as the names and disciplinary status of the individuals in
the photo as well as an unredacted version of it remains pending.
“We are
committed to a full and complete investigation that we will present to Governor
Justice and to the public once it is finished,” Sandy said. “As terrible as
this incident has been, it is critically important that we go by the book to
arrive at the whole truth of what occurred and why.”
On Dec. 4, Sandy
informed all DCR employees of the ongoing investigation and had faith and
community leaders briefed as well.
The memo can be
found here: https://dmaps.wv.gov/News-Announcements/Pages/Secretary-Sandy-memo-to-all-employees-of-the-Division-of-Corrections-and-Rehabilitation.aspx.
“I remain
outraged by this incident, as does Gov. Justice, Commissioner Jividen, and the
rest of the DMAPS and DCR team,” Sandy said. “I cannot stress enough how this
betrays the high standards and professionalism of the men and women of
corrections, who successfully carry out their vital and daunting public safety
mission every day and around the clock.”
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