Whatcom County undersheriff put on administrative leave

Whatcom County undersheriff Steve Harris was placed on paid administrative leave August 30 after an investigation of multiple human resources complaints began, according to a September 4 press release from sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley.

Little information regarding the details of the complaints were made available by Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), other than that complaints against Harris were sent to both Tanksley and the county human resources department. The investigation does not include criminal allegations and will be conducted by an independent investigator.

“The public holds government employees to a high level of conduct: we do, too,” Tanksley wrote in the statement. “At the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, integrity is a cornerstone value that helps ensure we are serving all community members and WCSO staff fairly, equitably and consistent with our mission.”

Tanksley added in his statement that paid administrative leave does not mean the allegations against the employee are true, and is a routine, non-disciplinary practice during an investigation.