Vigo County Sheriff's Deputy Scott Brown has been handed a series of disciplinary measures after he was recorded making "inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable" comments on bodycam footage from August 2023. According to a report by WISH-TV, Brown's comments came to light only recently, prompting an internal review that went beyond the incident in question to include a comprehensive examination of bodycam videos from the past couple of years.
The subsequent investigation led to Brown's 20-day unpaid suspension and a 12-month probation period. He will also face a 60-day suspension of his current rank, which entails a loss of pay. In addition, Country Herald notes that Brown is required to undertake extensive training on addiction recovery and stigma awareness, which includes programs on "The Brain and the Disease of Addiction" and "Removing the Shame and Stigma of Addiction."
Furthermore, Deputy Brown's corrective action plan necessitates detailed participation in six hours of community recovery activities and mandates attendance at two meetings with recovery community members. In a statement released on social media, the Vigo County Sheriff's Office asserted that the incident "reflected negatively on the Sheriff's Office and all who work here." The office expressed its commitment to upholding high standards and highlighted the significant impact of words, even if unintentional harm was caused.
While the sheriff's office did not disclose the specific content of Brown's comments, Sheriff Derek Fell has acknowledged the broader implications of such behavior within the law enforcement community. He emphasized the value of accountability and reinforced that future conduct must be performed "safely, respectfully, and professionally," as reported by the Country Herald. Brown's suspension and demotion serve as a reminder about the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies take matters of professionalism and sensitivity, especially in interactions involving vulnerable populations.
