KRS 70.261: Adoption of rules -- Certified copies -- Subjects addressed -- Issuance of

additional rules -- Repeal or amendment of existing rules.

(1) When a county creates a deputy sheriff merit board, the board shall issue, and

publish within forty -eight (48) hou rs after their adoption, rules that are not

inconsistent with the provisions of KRS 70.260 to 70.273. The board shall provide a

certified copy of the rules to:

(a) The sheriff of the county who shall additionally post a copy in a conspicuous

place in the main office and in any branch offices where deputies are regularly

assigned to work from;

(b) The county judge/executive of the county; and

(c) The legislative body of the county.

(2) The board shall, at a minimum, adopt a body of rules that addresses the f ollowing

subjects:

(a) For deputy sheriffs:

1. Qualifications for initial and continued employment, which shall at a

minimum include: citizenship, age, physical, mental, and educational

requirements;

2. Grounds for temporary appointments;

3. Advancement re quirements. Deputy sheriffs shall be employed for at

least three (3) full years before being eligible for the rank of sergeant;

4. Factors that shall, or may, result in demotion, the procedures for

determining whether or not to demote a deputy, and the pro cedures for

executing a demotion;

5. Factors that shall, or may, result in fining, probation, suspension, or

removal; and

6. Administrative procedures for the deputies in the office such as transfer,

lay-off, and reinstatement.

(b) For the general administration of the board itself:

1. Organizational structure and conduct of meetings;

2. Procedure and conduct of public hearings as a result of the board's

actions; and

3. Implementation and execution of written and oral examinations, a nd

physical tests of fitness for appointment and promotion of deputies.

(3) The subsequent issuance of additional rules, or of the repeal or amendment of

existing rules shall follow the provisions indicated in subsection (1) of this section.