Due diligence not done by Grimes judge

Eagle Editorial Board

The decision to hire a former Bryan police officer involved in a questionable shooting of an unarmed black man and a bystander to be Grimes County's new emergency management coordinator raises serious questions about whether due diligence was done.

Grimes County Judge Betty Shifflett hired William "Bill" Cross for the job of overseeing the county's response to emergency situations such as natural disasters and other events. Since the emergency management coordinator reports directly to the county judge, commissioners did not have to approve the hiring.

Cross resigned from the Bryan Police Department last year shortly before the results of an internal investigation were to be released. Under a policy approved more than three decades ago by Bryan voters, the resignation prevents the release of results of such investigations. Of course, if he wishes, Cross is able to release the investigation report.

Cross was involved in the May 6 shooting of 20-year-old Johnnie Walton Harris Jr. and the wounding of Juan Garcia, a construction worker who happened to be nearby. Videos taken by cameras from a police patrol car are inconclusive and don't capture the actual shooting, although it can be heard off camera.

A month later, a Brazos County grand jury decided not to indict Cross, but a police department investigation continued. In late July, Cross resigned just before the report of the internal investigation was to be released.

Judge Shifflett said she was unaware that Cross was the officer involved in the shooting until he brought it up during his interview for the position. She said, "He was very honest and up-front. I think that was very reflective of his character."

Still, it should have raised cautionary flags, particularly the timing of Cross' resignation before the report could be issued and potential punitive action taken by Bryan Police Chief Eric Buske.

Shifflett did not ask Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell and his department to check on Cross' references, even though it would seem natural for the department to conduct the check. Rather, the reference check was performed by Bob Cochrane, Grimes County road and bridge engineer, who sat in on the interviews for emergency management coordinator. Hmm.

Cochrane said he contacted Bryan police, although he didn't say to whom he talked. Apparently it wasn't anyone in a position of authority to answer important questions, though.

Cross, who started his new job Monday, may be a fine emergency management coordinator for Grimes County, but there are enough questions that further digging should have been done. The people of Grimes County deserve greater scrutiny of potential county employees before they are hired.