TRAVERSE CITY -- It’s been a turbulent month for the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, which has endured two deputy firings and one deputy suspension in the past 30 days.

In May, Deputies Robert Sillers and Mark Noffke were fired for their involvement in a scandal involving Traverse City Police Officer Joseph Soffredine.

On Tuesday, Deputy Kipp Needham was arrested at his home in Acme Township. Needham has since been charged with Assaulting an Officer, Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated and two counts of Domestic Violence.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Thomas Bensley said Needham has been suspended without pay.

Bensley said the disciplinary problems are starting to take a toll on the force’s ability to protect and serve. “Well there is a good possibility we won't be doing some things. We won’t have the time. Obviously our business is a priority business…some complaints have a priority over others.”

For Bensley, the suspension of Deputy Needham could not have fallen at a worse time.

“Well, obviously we are coming into the busiest time of the year. For us, the summer season is the busiest and at this time that is one less officer we have out on the road,” Bensley said.

To add to the situation, the County Board recently decided to drop funding for the TCAPS liaison officer program. In the fall, deputies will have to pick up extra responsibilities when school is back in session.

“The complaints are not going to go away. They will be handled much differently. We have patrol officers now who will be responding to the schools to handle any complaints at the schools,” Bensley said.  

The Sheriff’s Department is stretched thin and the strain could end up costing tax payers, who would have to pay for the overtime county deputies may be forced to take. “Our overtime could increase because of the officers being held over to handle additional complaints because of the man power shortage,” Bensley said.