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Iowa sheriff may fight policy on off-duty deputies

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March 27th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Woodbury County sheriff is considering suing the county board of supervisors over a disputed policy that prevents off-duty deputies working community events from wearing their uniforms and driving county cars.  The Sioux City Journal reports Woodbury County Sheriff Dave Drew wants to reverse a policy adopted in 2010 by the board that prohibits county employees from using county equipment for things like private security at community events. The board said at the time it was a liability issue.

Opponents argued people are more likely to respect uniformed officers. Drew, who was elected in November, says elected officials should have leeway to set their own policies. He told the board Tuesday that he would allow some time for them to work out a compromise before filing a lawsuit.