A committee was formed to try to bring together the Knox County Sheriffs Office and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Merit System/Board and help them to work better together.

The Committee is KCSO’s Mike Ruble and Lysette Aviles (Aviles was unable to attend the first meeting and Chief Purvis sat in her place) Knox Sheriff’s Merit System Office Executive Director Paula Taylor and Board Member Gina Oster. KCSO Officers Krystal Gibson, Gabe Mullinax. Knox Commissioners Richie Beeler, Courtney Durrett and Larsen Jay. A citizen Representative Scott Broyles, failed Republican County Commission candidate Fourth District and pal to Jay.

It appears that Communication is the key to be worked on. It seems that KCSO wants to do the hiring. “On the front end”, the application, the background checks, the placing candidates on the eligibility lists. Which leaves the Merit Office and Board only handling Grievances.

Here is a problem for KCSO that came out on meeting one. Since January 1, 2020 ONE HUNDRED and FORTY Merit protected KCSO personnel have left KCSO.

The decision was made NOT to stream the meeting or record it as it was held in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. I believe it is imperative for the men and women of KCSO to know what is going on with their positions. Many of them were working in corrections, patrol during the meeting, so below in 6 YouTube videos is 98% of the meeting. More to come from me on this and the next meeting is November 10 at 5 pm in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building.