Controversy Erupts Over Wayne County Deputy’s Troubling Past and Hiring Practices Amid Police Shortages

Detroit – A Controversial Deputy’s Journey

In Detroit, an intriguing and concerning situation is unfolding within the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, centered around a former police officer whose past raises serious questions. Jamonte Horton, now a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, has a troubling history that includes multiple firings and resignations from previous police positions. This issue sheds light on broader concerns about police hiring practices and accountability.

Problematic Background

Horton has faced numerous challenges throughout his law enforcement career. At the start of his journey, while working as a cadet with the Wayne State Police, he was involved in a violent incident where he showed up to a party with a loaded gun. This led to him being shot and subsequently returning fire. In 2015, he resigned from the Wayne State Police due to his involvement in that shooting.

His troubles didn’t end there. Horton joined the Ypsilanti Police Department, where issues continued to mount. He was noted for missing shifts, being caught sleeping in his patrol car, and even sharing inappropriate videos with colleagues while on duty. His supervisors were often forced to reprimand him for various infractions, including failing to follow simple investigative procedures that left potential suspects at large for extended periods.

Current Position

Despite these serious infractions, Horton found his way into the Highland Park Police Department. Here, his actions continued to draw scrutiny. In an incident in 2020, he improperly handed his department-issued AR-15 to a strip club security guard during a responding call. Furthermore, he was involved in a car accident after making an illegal U-turn while pursuing a suspect but failed to check on the other driver.

The culmination of his controversial behavior came to a head in 2022 when he was involved in a high-speed chase against explicit orders not to engage. Even more troubling, investigators discovered that Horton had turned off his body camera during the pursuit, leading to questions about his honesty and integrity. After internal investigations labeled his actions as “egregious,” Horton resigned from the Highland Park Police Department.

A Room for Second Chances?

Just weeks after leaving Highland Park, Horton was hired by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office to work as a deputy. Given his history, it has raised eyebrows among city officials and community members alike, questioning how he could be considered for such a crucial role in law enforcement. Commissioner Ricardo Moore expressed that “some people are meant to be the police, and some people are meant to call the police,” implying that Horton falls into the latter category.

Shortages in Law Enforcement

One compelling reason for Horton’s hiring is the significant shortage of deputies within the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, the department is facing a deficit of 344 deputies, which has led them to fill positions more rapidly, possibly at the expense of traditional vetting processes. Despite salary increases aimed at attracting new deputies, the shortage remains a pressing issue.

Controversy and Accountability

As Horton continues to serve in a jail capacity, questions linger about what this means for the reputation of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement standards at large. Critics, including Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson, have voiced their concerns that someone with such a problematic background should not be part of the department.

In a recent budget meeting, Sheriff Raphael Washington was asked about Horton’s hiring, denying that standards were lowered in the selection process. Washington stated that he was unaware of Horton’s troubling past, emphasizing the need for integrity among police personnel.

License Status and Future Options

Despite his current position, Horton’s law enforcement license has been deactivated by the state due to his history of failing to meet necessary character fitness standards. As it stands, he cannot serve as a police officer until his license is reinstated—something the state recently denied. Horton has the right to appeal the decision, but criticism regarding his role as a deputy will likely continue.

The unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in law enforcement hiring and underscores the importance of maintaining strict standards to ensure community safety and trust. As discussions continue, community members and officials alike are closely watching the developments surrounding Jamonte Horton’s role in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.