Deputy’s fatal shooting of Sonya Massey highlights risky practice of hiring America’s legion of ‘wandering officers’
An Illinois deputy sheriff who killed a woman in her own home is part of what law enforcement officials and experts call America’s legion of “wandering officers” who drift from police department to police department – sometimes even after having been fire
Former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson has been suspended and charged with murder after fatally shooting 36-year-old Sonya Massey in her home. This incident has brought to light the issue of "wandering officers" who move from department to department, even after being fired or convicted. Law enforcement officials and experts have highlighted the absence of an exhaustive national database to track and weed out problematic officers, allowing individuals like Grayson to slip through the cracks. Grayson's history includes a discharge from the Army for serious misconduct and multiple DUI offenses, yet he was employed by six Illinois law enforcement agencies.
Christy Lopez, a former Justice Department official, emphasized the risks of part-time law enforcement positions, which tend to attract less qualified candidates and provide minimal training. The National Decertification Index (NDI), a police misconduct registry, already lists nearly 55,000 officers decertified for misconduct, but its coverage is incomplete as participation is not mandatory. Brian Grisham, an expert in law enforcement standards, noted that Grayson's military discharge should have been a red flag, yet he was still able to pursue a law enforcement career.
A review of Grayson's records revealed a pattern of problematic behavior and a lack of disciplinary action. Despite recommendations for additional training and concerns about his accuracy in reporting incidents, Grayson continued to find employment in law enforcement. The psychological examination prior to his hiring in Sangamon County noted a low cognitive assessment score, indicating a need for better decision-making skills under pressure.
The union representing Illinois law enforcement officers has decided not to challenge Grayson's termination, expressing sympathy for Massey's family. Sonya Massey's death has reignited calls for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which includes proposals for a more comprehensive nationwide police misconduct registry. Law enforcement officials and experts agree that a centralized and mandatory system is necessary to prevent problematic officers from moving between agencies and causing further harm.
Christy Lopez, a former Justice Department official, emphasized the risks of part-time law enforcement positions, which tend to attract less qualified candidates and provide minimal training. The National Decertification Index (NDI), a police misconduct registry, already lists nearly 55,000 officers decertified for misconduct, but its coverage is incomplete as participation is not mandatory. Brian Grisham, an expert in law enforcement standards, noted that Grayson's military discharge should have been a red flag, yet he was still able to pursue a law enforcement career.
A review of Grayson's records revealed a pattern of problematic behavior and a lack of disciplinary action. Despite recommendations for additional training and concerns about his accuracy in reporting incidents, Grayson continued to find employment in law enforcement. The psychological examination prior to his hiring in Sangamon County noted a low cognitive assessment score, indicating a need for better decision-making skills under pressure.
The union representing Illinois law enforcement officers has decided not to challenge Grayson's termination, expressing sympathy for Massey's family. Sonya Massey's death has reignited calls for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which includes proposals for a more comprehensive nationwide police misconduct registry. Law enforcement officials and experts agree that a centralized and mandatory system is necessary to prevent problematic officers from moving between agencies and causing further harm.