In the grievance process, who serves as the final appellate authority after Step 3?

In the grievance process, who serves as the final appellate authority after Step 3?

• A. Captain
• B. Major
• C. Colonel
• D. Sheriff or designee

Answer: (D)

After Step 3, the final appellate authority is the Sheriff or designee. This places the ultimate review at the executive level of the agency, ensuring a definitive and independent resolution beyond the chain of command that handled the prior steps. The ranks listed—Captain, Major, and Colonel—are supervisory positions that may oversee investigations and make intermediate decisions, but they are not the ultimate authority over grievance outcomes. A Sheriff or designee provides the final oversight, maintaining consistency and accountability across cases and preventing ongoing disputes from cycling through the same leadership levels.

After Step 3, the final appellate authority is the Sheriff or designee. This places the ultimate review at the executive level of the agency, ensuring a definitive and independent resolution beyond the chain of command that handled the prior steps. The ranks listed—Captain, Major, and Colonel—are supervisory positions that may oversee investigations and make intermediate decisions, but they are not the ultimate authority over grievance outcomes. A Sheriff or designee provides the final oversight, maintaining consistency and accountability across cases and preventing ongoing disputes from cycling through the same leadership levels.