KRS 70.267: Prohibited conduct -- Construction of section -- Probationary period.

(1) No deputy sheriff covered by the provisions of KRS 70.260 to 70.273 shall directly

or indirectly solicit, receive, or be in any manner concerned in receiving, soliciting,

or publicizing any assessment, gift, subscription, or contribution to or for any

political party or candidate for public office.

(2) No deputy sheriff covered by the provisions of KRS 70.260 to 70.273 shall be

suspended, laid -off, demoted, promoted, disciplined, threatened, or in any way

changed in duty or compensation for withholding or n eglecting to pay or make

contributions of any sort, either in money, goods, services, or anything of value for

any political purpose. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the power of a sheriff to

revoke the appointment of a deputy during the probationar y period described in

subsection (5) of this section.

(3) No deputy sheriff covered by the provisions of KRS 70.260 to 70.273 shall be a

candidate for any public office. Any person who violates this subsection shall forfeit

his position as deputy sheriff.

(4) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to abridge the rights of any

deputy sheriff with respect to his personal opinions, beliefs, or right to vote.

(5) A deputy sheriff's employment shall be probationary during the first year of service

following an initial appointment or a promotional appointment. A sheriff may, at his

pleasure, revoke the appointment of a deputy who works for him at any time within

one (1) year following the appointment.