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Security chief draws scrutiny

But some of his subordinates are backing off a memo.

By KEVIN GRAHAM
Published October 20, 2006

TAMPA - Hillsborough County officials have launched an investigation into allegations of mental instability of a gun-carrying courthouse security supervisor, after 18 of his subordinates signed a letter saying he has "displayed a very erratic and hostile demeanor" toward them.

"We are concerned that he may be capable of doing himself great bodily harm or harm one of his fellow employees or general public," read the memo, addressed to security services director Scott Dunlap, Assistant County Administrator Carl Harness and County Administrator Pat Bean.

Lt. Thomas White, an 11-year veteran, worked Thursday at the security checkpoint of the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, as those who signed the memo were interviewed.

"Thus far, we have not heard anything that indicates there is some sort of immediate concern," Deputy County Administrator Wally Hill said. "There's nothing to suggest we need to pull White off his duties."

Neither Jim Gardner, whom Hill said wrote the memo, nor two other co-workers questioned by Thursday said they had seen White behave dangerously. The county launched its inquiry Tuesday, and Hill said they'll talk with more security officers today.

Already, Hill said, some of those who signed the memo have asked that their names be removed.

"Because they didn't quite understand the nature of the allegations," Hill said. "They just had a concern for him as a fellow co-worker."

Gardner recently filed a similar allegation about another employee, saying a co-worker was suicidal and homicidal, Hill said. County officials never substantiated Gardner's claims.

In the memo Gardner wrote about White, he said White is having marital and family problems that may be affecting his mental health.

Gardner applied for the same supervisor position as White a year ago and didn't get it, Hill said. Gardner's personnel file shows that he voluntarily took a $2-an-hour pay cut in August, stepping down as a public safety sergeant to become an officer.

Kevin Graham can be reached at 813 226-3433 or kgraham@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 20, 2006, 01:44:46]