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Report: Shelton broke numerous policies
Published November 1, 2009
SOCIAL CIRCLE — Former Social Circle Department of Public Safety Chief Steve Shelton is saying he was forced to resign from his position, though the outcome of an investigation into violations of standard operating procedures reveal his days may have been numbered.
“Mr. Shelton was told to resign or be fired,” said his attorney Mary Huber. “The reasons were never discussed with him, so he is still in the dark as to why.”
The Walton Tribune filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the city to obtain a copy of the findings of the investigation, conducted by the Grovetown Department of Public Safety days before Shelton tendered his resignation. The report was finalized recently but was part of an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Walton County District Attorney’s Office into possible criminal activities by Lt. Chauncey Dixon and could not be released. No determination has been made whether any criminal charges will be filed.
On Aug. 7, Social Circle City Manager Doug White contacted the Grovetown Department of Public Safety seeking to have an outside agency conduct an investigation into complaints made by SCDPS employees of violations of standard operating procedures by command staff. The allegations included working in a hostile work environment, unlawful harassment and policy violations.
“Of the complaints made, 14 city of Social Circle employees gave statements that corroborated all of the allegations made toward Chief Steve Shelton and Lt. Chauncey Dixon,” the investigation’s conclusion reads. “During the investigation, several violations of department policy were violated, as well as a hostile work environment for the employees. It appeared most of the employees felt they were intimidated while at work and scared they would be disciplined for no reason.
“Even during these interviews, several employees stated that if Chief Steve Shelton was coming back to work, they would not talk to investigators in fear of retaliation.”
On Aug. 25, Grovetown law enforcement officials interviewed employees “that had personal knowledge of incidents that would violate any laws of the state of Georgia or policies of Social Circle.”
Some of those interviewed did indicate they had no problems with either of the former SCDPS employees. One described Shelton as, “a little abrasive, but his personality is that he would do anything for anybody.”
Other interviews reveal allegations Shelton continually used language “not appropriate at times,” citing use of vulgarities and derogatory comments toward employees. Dixon was cited in the document as continually threatening to terminate employees and have their Peace Officers Standards and Training certification revoked. Interviews included allegations Shelton used his city-owned truck for personal use, towing a landscaping trailer.
“During the interviews, it was found through several employees that cussing at, and the belittling of, employees, ticket fixing, damage and/or destruction of city property, failure to supervise subordinates, labor law violations, employee favoritism, and violations of city policy was a common practice of the department of public safety ... In every interview and statement that the 14 employees gave, all were consistent in naming Chief Steve Shelton and Lt. Dixon of violating these policies.”
Some of the officers also indicated they had issues with speeding tickets being dismissed or reduced without their knowledge. One in particular was a ticket written to a city councilmember that was reduced to just a warning, “per Chief Shelton.” Other accounts included incidents where Shelton damaged city-owned property and reportedly hid city vehicles “in an attempt to deceive city officials to secure funds to purchase replacements.”
Huber disqualified the report.
“‘Hostile work environment’ is a legal conclusion concerning conduct that violates the anti-discrimination law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” Huber said. “I would be very skeptical about a legal conclusion reached by a police department on an issue that falls within the investigative jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, just as I would be skeptical if the EEOC concluded that a police officer had engaged in ‘excessive force.’”
Huber said they are currently waiting to receive the full investigative report and supporting materials and will decide on a course of action once that information is received.
City officials said the investigation was done at no cost to the city.
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