EUGENE, Ore. – A former Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputy is awaiting a decision on his professional fate, which will be discussed later this month by a state agency. Randall Broome, who served as a deputy for six years, was fired from the LCSO in 2022 following two separate incidents involving the alleged use of force against female inmates with mental health issues.
Broome was charged with harassment in November 2022 after an internal investigation and a subsequent criminal inquiry by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The harassment case was later dismissed, with Broome being acquitted in August 2024. Despite this, Broome’s termination was upheld by the sheriff’s office, citing violations of conduct, judgment, and unsatisfactory performance during his time as a deputy.
The incidents that led to Broome’s dismissal stemmed from two separate altercations that took place at the Lane County Jail in early 2022. According to state documents, the first alleged use of force occurred in February 2022. Broome is accused of assaulting a female inmate who had reportedly refused to be transported to the Oregon State Hospital. During the encounter, the inmate allegedly spit on Broome and bit his thumb as he attempted to place a spit hood on her. In response, Broome allegedly delivered a “focused blow” to the left side of her head. However, a lieutenant who reviewed the incident determined that the use of force was unnecessary, as Broome was not being actively bitten at the time and could have sought assistance from other officers.
Two months later, Broome was involved in another confrontation with a different female inmate at the jail. This time, the altercation reportedly occurred over a dispute involving laundry. The inmate, who had a history of mental health issues, allegedly knocked Broome’s glasses off when he entered her cell to collect excess laundry. The deputy responded by striking her in the chest and commanding her to put her hands behind her back. When the inmate refused, Broome is said to have punched her in the face multiple times. A trainee present during the incident later described seeing a “barrage of punches” as the inmate was walking backward toward her bunk.
In response to the incidents, Broome was fired by LCSO in October 2022 for violating departmental policies on misconduct, poor judgment, and inappropriate use of force. Despite Broome’s attempts to contest his termination, LCSO maintained its position, citing ongoing criminal charges and the public’s demand for greater accountability in law enforcement.
A report issued by the sheriff’s office underscored the importance of professionalism and accountability in law enforcement, particularly in light of heightened public scrutiny over police conduct. “There has been considerable public scrutiny directed at law enforcement in the last few years over the use of force and conduct,” the report stated. “Oregon laws have been enacted that mandate a duty to intervene by officers if other officers engage in misconduct. Professionalism and composure are required more than ever in this line of work.”
The report further emphasized the public expectation that deputies be held accountable for unjustified uses of force, particularly in light of recent reforms in law enforcement practices.
As Broome’s case is expected to be reviewed by a state agency later this month, the debate over law enforcement accountability continues to play a significant role in shaping the policies and practices of local law enforcement agencies across the country.
