Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin has faced a few hurdles in his first 45 days in office.

The most recent is whether a patrol deputy hired during the previous administration is indeed certified. The officer in question, Lyle Bayles is currently employed with the office, said Nowlin.

Bayles was hired at the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office after he unexpectedly resigned as chief of police in Blanding, Utah, last summer. His resignation letter to Blanding officials cited a desire to spend more time with his family.

However, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) officials subsequently announced that it was investigating Bayles.

Director of Utah POST Scott Stephenson said last week that the investigation was ended after Bayles relinquished his POST certification. Stephenson declined to comment about accusations leading to the investigation.

For Nowlin, there's a question if Bayles is authorized to serve as an officer in Colorado.

"The status of (Bayles') Colorado POST certification is under investigation," said Nowlin.

Nowlin, who is collaborating with the new director at Colorado POST, said he didn't want to jump to conclusions.

"As for the residents, I'm working to do everything I can to make sure people are safe and protected," said Nowlin.

Nowlin declined to speculate on why Bayles was initially hired by former Sheriff Dennis Spruell, and added that hiring practices at the sheriff's office were being "revamped and changed."

"We have interim policies and procedures in place," said Nowlin. "I hope to have those formalized within the next 60 to 90 days."

Spruell lost his bid for a second term as sheriff last year.

Bayles, hired in August 2008 as police chief in Blanding, earned $98,500 annually. His law enforcement career spans almost three decades. His resignation in Blanding came nearly four months after two of his officers resigned.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com