Absolutely. And in all likelihood, the majority of the rank and file of the SO are just as disgusted. Obviously, if they had a “no confidence” vote against the sheriff, the majority don’t like the way the department is being run.
Since the Sheriff is an elected position, the rank and file are subject to political whims every couple of years. It tends to suppress any individual from speaking out and the union becomes the officers voice. If the union is in lock-step with the sheriff, there is no voice for the officer.
“If the union is in lock-step with the sheriff, there is no voice for the officer.”
Sure there is - the rank and file officer himself. After all, it was the rank and file who carried out this gestapo tactic.
Union or not, the silence of the rank and file makes them guilty.