RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody says he will no longer hire family members to work in his department, responding to a request from city council.
Sheriff Woody sent a letter to council members on Monday, signaling a major shift in his stance on the city's nepotism policy. Council members had asked him to follow that policy after the issue surfaced through media reports in 2011.
While Sheriff Woody was not obligated to fire his family members, in the letter he points out four family members who he has decided, after a year-long personnel performance review, to remove from his agency.
Two other family members that don't fall into the city's policy were also removed from their positions after a review from Woody.
The policy prohibits certain immediate family members from working under him in the department. The relationships include mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, legal ward and anyone else who lives in the house.
Sheriff Woody went on to address the preparation he and his administration are taking ahead of the opening of a new correctional facility, saying he is committed to balancing his responsibilities and upholding the expectations of the City of Richmond.
