MitchConner
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
Hello, I was a Sheriff's Deputy in Florida, and was dismissed while in my probationary year. While being questioned as witness during a professional standards investigation on a supervisor, I was accused of 'Untruthfulness in Sheriff's Office Matters', because a recollection of events I gave was unintentionally inaccurate. The events in question were approximately 2 months prior to my questioning, and I was somewhat blindsided when I was called in to give my statements. They decided to dismiss me about 2 days later, citing 'probationary dismissal', spending the next few months completing the investigation without me there to defend myself. I as not afforded the opportunity to have a name clearing meeting, or a disciplinary appeal meeting with the command staff, like non-probationary employees are.
Now, I continued to stand firm that it was a misunderstanding/mistake, but they didn't seem to care. I've lost my career, and they have permanently trashed my reputation based on what was essentially their opinion, and not facts. I have been out of my line of work, and in financial ruin for almost a year now because of this, and I just don't know what else to do. I can't just sit back and take it any longer. Is there any recourse for this? I understand they word things in a way to cover themselves from liability, and since I was on probation, I have no appeal rights, or a way to get my job back. However, isn't there something to be said for the character assassination they have brought upon me? Slander? Libel? How can they say and right things about me as 'fact', when they are not? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I really am a sincere and good person, and I just can't believe the career I've worked so hard to obtain could be over and taken from me like this.
Hello, I was a Sheriff's Deputy in Florida, and was dismissed while in my probationary year. While being questioned as witness during a professional standards investigation on a supervisor, I was accused of 'Untruthfulness in Sheriff's Office Matters', because a recollection of events I gave was unintentionally inaccurate. The events in question were approximately 2 months prior to my questioning, and I was somewhat blindsided when I was called in to give my statements. They decided to dismiss me about 2 days later, citing 'probationary dismissal', spending the next few months completing the investigation without me there to defend myself. I as not afforded the opportunity to have a name clearing meeting, or a disciplinary appeal meeting with the command staff, like non-probationary employees are.
Now, I continued to stand firm that it was a misunderstanding/mistake, but they didn't seem to care. I've lost my career, and they have permanently trashed my reputation based on what was essentially their opinion, and not facts. I have been out of my line of work, and in financial ruin for almost a year now because of this, and I just don't know what else to do. I can't just sit back and take it any longer. Is there any recourse for this? I understand they word things in a way to cover themselves from liability, and since I was on probation, I have no appeal rights, or a way to get my job back. However, isn't there something to be said for the character assassination they have brought upon me? Slander? Libel? How can they say and right things about me as 'fact', when they are not? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I really am a sincere and good person, and I just can't believe the career I've worked so hard to obtain could be over and taken from me like this.
Last edited:
