Callaway County Sheriff candidate releases statement regarding former sheriff Clay Chism’s revoked peace officer license

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Callaway County Sheriff candidate Victor Pitman released a statement after former sheriff Clay Chism's peace officer license was revoked on Tuesday. Chism was arrested and charged for driving while intoxicated in Randolph County in October 2022. 

In the statement from Pitman, he said that it is his responsibility to answer questions about the situation regarding Chism might affect the public's perception of the office.

"I am sure this situation has affected the public’s perception of not just the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office, but law enforcement as a whole. This is especially true when that person is the leader of a law enforcement agency such as an elected sheriff," per Pitman.

Pitman added, "accepting the role of a peace officer is a serious responsibility and that anytime a public servant ethically or criminally fails to uphold standards of the office, they forfeit that honor."

"The public not only has the right to expect, but should demand that its public servants be held accountable," said Pitman. "As peace officers, we should demand the same of ourselves and our fellow law enforcement professionals. I believe that even though this specific situation reflects negatively, ultimately it is an example of the systems put in place to hold our elected and appointed public servants accountable has ultimately worked as it should."

Judge Brouck Jacobs removed Chism from office in June after county officials confronted Chism about buying and drinking liquor on the job that month. The state suspended his peace officer’s license on June 9.

Missouri law requires sheriffs to have a valid peace officer's license.