The dismissal of Robert Bonner, chair of the Civilian Oversight Commission, escalates tensions between advocates for sheriff's department reform and county officials advocating for new leadership. Bonner claimed to face opposition from those within the county who resist independent oversight. He expressed surprise at his removal without prior notice and criticized county bureaucrats for protecting their interests. The commission continues to seek access to internal records on deputy misconduct, amid allegations of gangs influencing violent conduct within the department.
Robert Bonner, the oversight commission chair, expressed surprise over his dismissal, stating he was "dismissed without so much as a phone call from Supervisor Barger."
Bonner emphasized challenges faced by the commission, stating, "the county bureaucrats...guard their turf and see an independent commission as a threat to that turf."
In discussing ongoing tensions, Bonner remarked, "there are forces within the county that do not want to see real, effective and meaningful oversight over the sheriff's department."
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