TCOLE Finds No Intent To Submit False Training Report

NEW CANEY, TX -- Constable Rowdy Hayden Responds to TCOLE Investigation.

Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden previously confirmed the existence of an investigation by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (“TCOLE”) related to alleged errors in reporting attendance of a civil service training course. The course in question occurred in the days prior to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Constable Hayden respects the rule of law and the integrity of the investigation, and therefore did not publicly address or attempt to refute the allegations or attacks made against him while the investigation was ongoing. However, the TCOLE investigation has now been completed and found that the error in reporting occurred not because of any action of Constable Hayden.

Regarding the outcome of the investigation, Constable Hayden stated, “I was confident that the investigation would confirm the truth: There was no intent to falsify continuing education reports. I am disappointed by the wasted time and resources that have been devoted to furthering a political vendetta. I look forward to continuing to focus on what matters most to the people of Precinct 4 - making it a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”

At no point was Constable Hayden or his deputies suspended by TCOLE or charged with any criminal action. However, as the supervisor of the responsible law enforcement officer, TCOLE issued a reprimand to Constable Hayden, which he is now appealing. The reprimand letter stated in relevant part, “As the chief administrator, you are responsible for ensuring that all reports and documents required of your agency are accurately and timely submitted to TCOLE… However, [the evidence] demonstrates the situation was neither systematic nor intentional. Importantly, you have shown it has been corrected.”

Grant Goodwin, Staff Attorney for Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, provided the following information regarding the appeal: “Constable Hayden is appealing this reprimand as it is inconsistent with the law which would require the outside agency providing the instruction and employing the instructor to insure the accuracy of the instructor’s reporting, and not the individual officers who attended, regardless of their rank.”