Wash. Supreme Court published opinion — 989681.pdf

Citation: Wash. Supreme Court published opinion — 989681.pdf
Jurisdiction: Washington (state)
Source: Official source
Original Source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/989681.pdf ↗

Related Parts of This Source

Full Text

1,427 chars

On or about January 31, 2020, the Guild wrote another letter expressing no

confidence in Sheriff Hatcher. The media published the letter on February 2, 2020.

The published letter informed Sheriff Hatcher “that after an overwhelming vote of

our members, we can no longer support you, Jerry Hatcher, as our Sheriff.” Id. at

286-87. The Guild indicated that it had brought concerns to Sheriff Hatcher and that

he chose not to make changes. The Guild also expressed members’ fear of retaliation

and intimidation for speaking out. The Guild detailed how the BCSO was once “well

3
For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.
In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1

respected in the region and across the state.” Id. at 287. But the letter turns to the

culture under Sheriff Hatcher. It reads,

You have been our Sheriff for less than two years. During this short
amount of time, you have destroyed the positive culture within our
organization and developed a culture that can only be described as
hostile and negative. We can best define you as a Tyrant. You exercise
your power similar to that of an oppressive dictator. Deputies and
supervisors are frustrated, and deeply saddened by your lack of both
leadership and professionalism. The atmosphere in the office can only
be described as depressing, stressful, and plagued with heavy negativity.