Detention Deputy Resigns After Investigation, Search Underway For New Division Chief

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(Flagler County Sheriff's Office)

Bunnell, FL - A detention deputy that was under investigation for excessive force quits the job while the Flagler County Sheriff's Office looks to replace their retiring Chief of their Court and Detention Division.

Deputy Resigns After Excessive Force Investigation

According to FCSO, they discovered that Detention Deputy Jarred Tazewell was retrieving an inmate from a confinement cell at the Flagler County Jail when the inmate, who had a walker, threw the walker at Tazewell striking him.

In response, Tazewell punched the inmate in the face, causing the inmate to fall backward.

A criminal investigation was launched immediately after the incident, but the State Attorney's Office declined to file charges. Following the initial investigation, the FCSO launched an internal investigation and found that Deputy Tazewell did violate agency policies by using excessive force.

After the investigation, Tazewell, through his Florida Police Benevolent Association representative, resigned his position within the Sheriff's Office.

FCSO said that while discipline could not be issued because of the resignation, the Sheriff's Office will send the case to the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for review.

The CJSTC has the authority to issue discipline up to revoking Tazewell's Florida Correction Officer certification.

“Excessive use of force will not be tolerated at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “During the investigation, investigators determined the inmate’s behavior did not warrant the level and type of the force used by the detention deputy."

Sheriff Staly went on to further comment that oftentimes inmates will "bait" deputies in order to provoke a reaction.

FCSO Looking To Replace Retiring Division Chief

In other news related to Flagler County Jail, FCSO announced that they are launching a nationwide search for a new Division Chief of the Court and Detention Services Division.

The search was prompted after the current Division Chief Steve Cole announced plans to retire.

Chief Cole joined the Sheriff's Office in 1994 and worked as a patrol deputy, school resource deputy, detective, corporal, sergeant and commander before becoming the Division Chief. He was assigned to the position after Sheriff Staly took office in January of 2017.

He's retiring effective November 1st after 25 years of service. The Sheriff's Office says that he is taking accrued vacation time until he officially retires.

“Chief Cole’s law enforcement background has been instrumental in bridging the gap between law enforcement and our detention divisions,” Sheriff Staly said. “We wish him and his family the best in his retirement.”

Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge will become the acting Division Chief until a replacement is found. Chief of Staff Strobridge is currently responsible for the Organization Service Division of the Sheriff's Office, which includes Human Resources, Training, Accreditation and other services.

Any candidates interested in the search for a new division chief can click here to find out more.