Statewide police organization calls for independent investigation into Sheriff Hatcher

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Representatives from the Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WFOP) released a statement Wednesday, asking or an independent internal or criminal investigation into the actions of Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher.

In October of 2019, Hatcher was charged with crimes related to a protection order based on information from his then estranged wife, Monica.

Those charges were later dropped, but the situation opened a deluge of criticism against Hatcher from his deputies and several professional organizations.

A short time later, Benton County Commissioners voted to take control of the Benton County Jail away from Hatcher, as the local union representing deputies called for the Sheriff to resign.

Now, the WFOP is adding its voice to those asking for an independent investigation into Sheriff's actions, saying they can no longer support Hatcher.

"Sheriff Hatcher's recent actions with respect to the degrading quality of work environment in Benton County Sheriff’s Office and other areas has only served to decrease the trust of the members of law enforcement and the members of the community," said the statement, signed by Marco Monteblanco, President , and Lynnette Buffington, Executive Director of the WFOP. "Diminishing public trust does not assist in accomplishing our overall shared goals of public safety."