Follow up to Stillwater C.O. Death.

The Star Tribune is reporting today that the Stillwater Correctional Officer who died was 41 year old Steven J. Jensen, an employee since 1989. It's being investigated as a suicide.

Interestingly, they also are reporting that an inmate filed a complaint against Jensen in October, but it was not substantiated and the file was closed Dec. 5. She said there have been no layoffs at the prison, but she didn't know if Jensen had any other work-related issues that could have been a factor.

Anyone in our line of work can testify to the stress caused by being investigated by the employer when an inmate makes a false claim. Unfortunately this may be the result of just such an investigation. While an allegation must be investigated, I believe the employer has a responsibility to treat the employee fairly, not to drag out the investigation, or let the rumors run wild destroying the CO's reputation before an investigation is complete. I don't know that Stillwater handles it's investigations as our Sheriff's Office does, but most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. While an allegation may eventually be deemed not substantiated the Correctional Officer's reputation may never recover. There has to be a better way then treating the employee like a criminal during an investigation then saying, "OK we couldn't find anything wrong so go back to work."