Sheriff Victor Hill's License to Police is at Stake

Lawman says he'll spend suspension meditating
POST suspended Sheriff Victor Hill's certification for 2 years after he pleaded No Contest to the accidental shooting of a female friend in 2015.
Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill could lose his license to police others indefinitely. POST is investigating allegations that Hill violated the civil rights of jail detainees. The details are laid out in a federal indictment. Photo credit Clayton County Sheriff's Department

The state regulatory agency that certifies the training of Georgia law enforcement officials is conducting its own investigation of Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill.

Governor Brian Kemp suspended Hill this week after a recommendation by a 3-person panel.

Hill was indicted in April after federal prosecutors accused him of violating the civil rights of jail detainees.

Michael Ayres is the Executive Director of POST, or the Police Officers Standards and Training Council. According to Ayres, when it comes to sanctions, there's a range of options including no action to revocation of certification. The latter would mean Hill would no longer have the ability to police or serve as a law enforcement officer in the future.

According to Ayres, Georgia leads the nation in police decertifications. "It's not that we have bad officers", says Ayres, "it's just that we have high standards."

Hill is accused of ordering employees to use excessive force against detainees being held at the Clayton County jail.

A social media statement from Hill indicates that he will use the time away from office to train and meditate.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Clayton County Sheriff's Department