Deputy Resigns During Internal Investigation
A Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, placed on administrative leave last December, resigned prior to being interviewed.
On December 9, 2019, third party allegations of misconduct and potentially inappropriate relationships by Deputy Daryl Smith were reported to the Sheriff’s Office. An internal investigation, overseen by the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) with the assistance of Major Crimes Detectives, was initiated, and Smith was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The assertions of misconduct alleged that Smith engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a noncommissioned county employee and a member of the public the Smith initially met during a domestic argument/call. These relationships were reported to be consensual, but the internal investigation was launched to determine if the Deputy’s actions violated any Sheriff’s Office Policies.
Smith declined to be interviewed regarding these allegations and resigned his position, effective January 17, 2020.
The member of the public, in addition to other potential civilian witnesses named, also declined to be interviewed.
Sheriff’s Knezovich reviewed the OPS report and sustained the findings, noting the violations of policy as indicated below.
Sheriff Knezovich said, “He did the right thing. He didn’t want to erode the public’s trust or further damage his family, friends, or the Sheriff’s Office by dragging this out through a prolonged investigation.”
Sustained Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Violations:
Policy 340 Standards of Conduct
Policy 1050 Nepotism and Conflicting Relationships
Policy 702 Personal Communication Devices
Policy 706 Vehicle Use
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