Sheriff appoints wife to new position to run accreditation
[gtxvideo vid=”QjC0YL4r” playlist=”” pid=”OTSe9U1y” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/QjC0YL4r.jpg” vtitle=”Nepotism At MCSO 5”]
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — As the Madison County Sheriff’s Office pursues accreditation for the first time, a new position has been created to keep their progress on track, and it goes to the Sheriff’s wife. Sheriff John Mehr’s wife, Michelle, was first hired by the department part time back in November. But on Aug.1, she was promoted to full time, appointed by the sheriff to the newly created position of director of professional standards. Madison County currently has no nepotism policy, and the sheriff said he believes his wife is the most qualified person for the job. “If she applied to our department, she’s one of those people you want to have in your department,” Sheriff John Mehr said. “Because of her skills and her knowledge.” Michelle Mehr has worked in law enforcement for 17 years as a police officer in Texas and for the FBI. Despite her experience, some residents believe appointing her without posting the job for others to apply isn’t right. “She could be the most qualified, but then there are so many other people that need jobs that would be just as qualified, I think,” resident Arsinia Douglas said. “We can sometimes be a little prejudice when bringing in a family member.” As their accreditation process gears up, others say as long as she keeps it on track they don’t mind. “If one is excelling with expertise, then I say go for it,” resident Mary Lynn Sparks said. Sheriff Mehr said they hope to be fully accredited, meeting hundreds of criteria, within the next two years. As he and his wife work to meet that goal, he says she’ll be treated like any other employee. “Just like now, she doesn’t answer to me,” Sheriff Mehr said. “It’s professional at the office, and she doesn’t get favors.” According to the sheriff, once accredited, Michelle’s job will be to keep the department’s accreditation up to date. When she was moved to full time on Aug. 1, she went from $20 an hour to $25.95 an hour. According to the department, she doesn’t get benefits or overtime.
