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Marion County Sheriff Addresses Grand Jury Findings On Blair

Marion County interim sheriff, Emery A. Gainey, addresses the media about the grand jury report on former sheriff, Chris Blair's, leadership culture that allowed for the excessive use of force by several of his deputies.
Marion County interim sheriff, Emery A. Gainey, addresses the media about the grand jury report on former sheriff, Chris Blair's, leadership culture that allowed for the excessive use of force by several of his deputies.

Marion County's interim sheriff, Emery Gainey, addressed the recommendations that were included in a grand jury's presentment about former Sheriff Chris Blair's leadership at a press conference at the Marion County Sheriff's Office Friday afternoon.

"It's another sad and tough day," he said at the start of the conference. "Needless to say, I found myself disappointed, discouraged and quite frankly, a bit angry."

The grand jury listed these five recommendations in the presentment, following their investigation of six cases.

The recommendations include:


  1. A new separate external affairs division
  2. A change in policy to allow employees to report use of excessive force anonymously
  3. Allow only supplemental reports if changes are needed in a report
  4. The creation of a citizens review board if Blair is re-elected in November
  5. Changes to existing state law to allow prosecution of law enforcement officers for criminal violations of one's civil rights

The entire document can be read here:
Gand Jury Presentment Leadership of MCSO by wuftnews

Grand Jury Presentment Leadership of MCSO by wuftnews

Gainey said the department was one step ahead in creating a new internal unit, which was initiated May 27, a week after Blair was indicted for perjury and official misconduct.

Also, changes to the policy have been already been made that will allow employees to anonymously report excessive use of force. The anonymity factor was added so employees don't have to fear any confrontation for submitting a report.

The new policy states "any employee who fails to report a suspected use of excessive force shall be subject to discipline up to and including termination."

"I think if you look back in the last 13 days, I've made some significant changes in this organization that will clearly tell you that I'm not here to keep the ship afloat," Gainey said. "We are here to ride the ship and sail it forward."

Jeremiah is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Li Stalder is a reporter for WUFT News. She can be reached at lstalder@ufl.edu or 352-392-6397 or 352-392-NEWS. Follow her at @listalder.