Following a two-day hearing, the council determined that Sheriff John Grismore had violated the state’s use of force policy. The vote, with a decisive 15-1 outcome, mandates the permanent revocation of his law enforcement certification in Vermont.
The Vermont Criminal Justice Council ruled against Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore, who faced assault charges related to an incident where he kicked a shackled prisoner
The council’s chair, Bill Sorrell, emphasized the significance of the decision as a deterrent for other law enforcement officers. Despite the severe consequences, Sheriff John Grismore will retain his position as sheriff, but he will be stripped of key responsibilities, including the ability to issue tickets, make arrests, and investigate crimes. The embattled sheriff, undeterred, has expressed his intention to appeal the ruling.
Addressing the potential impact on law enforcement professionals, Sheriff John Grismore’s attorney, Robert Kaplan, warned that the decision could create a chilling effect by discouraging officers from intervening in situations involving unruly and dangerous individuals. Kaplan argued that the ruling might convey the message that well-intentioned efforts to maintain order could result in a loss of career.
It is worth noting that Sheriff John Grismore’s legal troubles precede this incident
Elected as sheriff in November of the previous year, he had been terminated from his position as a captain in the Franklin County sheriff’s department in August for the earlier incident caught on video. Despite facing a simple assault charge, Grismore entered a plea of not guilty. Additionally, ongoing investigations into the finances of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Grismore himself by state police add another layer of complexity to his tenure.
Furthermore, a special committee of the Vermont Legislature has been convened to investigate potential impeachment, with a scheduled meeting on Monday to address the matter. The unfolding developments surrounding John Grismore continue to draw attention, raising questions about the accountability of law enforcement officials and the standards governing their conduct.
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