Being qualified for your job is essential, especially if you’re part of a police force tasked with protecting a community. However, Sheriff Nick Smith of Walker County, Alabama, seemed to have missed the memo on the importance of qualifications, as he was arrested and charged with hiring half a dozen officers who were not only uncertified but also lacked proper state training. According to AP News, these untrained officers “were issued department patrol cars, badges, and firearms,” making them quite a risk to society.
“Seems like this is routine for him, wanting to hire unqualified cops that have prior issues,” one Reddit user remarks, referring to how Sheriff Smith was responsible for managing police force members guilty of homicide caused by “medical neglect.” According to the case, a man was arrested for getting into a violent altercation with several deputies. However, after he was detained, he died of sepsis and hypothermia in the local jail. Smith and several others had lawsuits pressed against them by the family for their loved one’s death.
Simply put, this Alabama sheriff has a poor track record in his career, so his recent arrest for careless hiring of staff at the police department is no surprise. “Taking a wild guess that he’s a Trump supporter and will eventually be pardoned,” quipped a commenter, pointing out how POTUS has pardoned many bad actors and even criminals, like those who stormed the Capitol. That aside, there were several users talking about how it’s common for police officers to get away with crimes. “Here in Colorado, cops can be passed out in a running patrol car and still avoid a DUI,” remarked a Redditor.
“There is so much dirt and corruption going on local and federal,” another adds in. It’s the reason “officers and guys like Trump” never get in trouble, even for serious offenses, they explain. One thing is true, though: There are many sheriffs and deputies who are “typically unqualified and tend toward violence,” even if they are trained and qualified.
