Hamilton County Sheriff Jim HammondA statement by Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond could set a policy tone that could expose the county to legal liability in future civil rights claims, local attorneys say.
“I think that was an ill-advised statement that might end up haunting them,” said local attorney Robin Flores.
Speaking about gangs to the Brainerd Kiwanis Club, Hammond said, “We need to run them out of town, put them in jail or send them to the funeral home.”
Attorney Hank Hill said lawyers likely will use Hammond’s statement in court to show the mindset of sheriff’s officers from the top down.
“I think it’s relevant,” he said.