GA Deputy Killed in Off-Duty Lawn Mower Accident

Lt. Scott Underwood, a supervisor for a patrol unit, was cutting grass behind his home when the mower overturned along a creek.

May 22, 2023

Lt. Scott Underwood died Friday after his mower overturned pinning him in a creek.Oconee County SO

A lieutenant for the Oconee County (GA) Sheriff’s Office was killed Friday when the lawn mower he was driving turned over into a creek behind his home.

“It’s a tragic and terrible accident,” Oconee County Sheriff James Hale said Monday.

Scott Underwood, a supervisor for a patrol unit, was cutting grass behind his home in the Farmington community when the mower overturned along a creek. The mower pinned the 50-year-old officer in the creek, the sheriff told AthensOnline.com.

“I understand the coroner will list it as a drowning,” Hale said about the accident.

Investigators are not sure what time the accident occurred, but he was found by his wife, Tracy Underwood, sometime around 9 to 9:30 p.m., according to Hale.

Underwood is survived by his wife and two sons

Coming Soon: 2025 Ford Full-Line Police Vehicle Brochure

Coming Soon: 2025 Ford Full-Line Police Vehicle Brochure

Banner Final Skydio X10 Outdoor Shipping Yard

DFR at Work: OKCPD’s Drones Help Find Six Missing Persons

Banner Final Faro 10 15 24

Who Did It? Unraveling Mysteries with 3D Forensic Technology

3 Benefits Fleet Management 375x480

3 Benefits of Fleet Management Technology for Public Safety Fleets

Women in Law Enforcement: Sharing Their Stories

This special section of POLICE is dedicated to all the women who are serving in law enforcement right now.

Women In Le Screenshot 2024 10 01 141709

Woment in Law Enforcement: VA Police Chief Connie Washington

The resentment from fellow officers manifested in more than just comments or quiet contempt. Veteran officers refused to offer her help and advice. They were also slow to respond to her requests for assistance, she says.

Women Of Le Washington

Women in Law Enforcement: Wisconsin's Chief Tammi Larson

She wanted to be a cop because she wanted to help victims, especially children. “I came from a dysfunctional childhood and wanted to help other kiddos from broken homes,” she explains.

Women Of Le Larson

Women in Law Enforcement: Yale University's Assistant Chief Rose J. Dell

Assistant Chief Rose J. Dell says the greatest challenge she faced was balancing the family responsibilities of raising children and the demanding work and lengthy shifts as a police officer.

Women Of Le Dell

Controversial California Sheriff to Face Special Election

The March 4 special election will allow voters to decide on an amendment to the county charter that, if approved, would grant the board the power to remove a sitting sheriff.

San Mateo County, California, Sheriff Christina Corpus could be fired by the county board of supervisors after a March special election.

Entire Police Department Resigns in Small South Carolina Town

The town is searching for a new police chief, as well as new officers. In the meantime, the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office is stepping in to assist with issues.

Pittsburgh City Leaders Voice Concerns About Police Staffing

Cara Cruz, a public safety spokesperson, said there are 719 sworn officers currently, plus 64 recruits currently working to become full-fledged officers.

5 California Sheriff’s Captains Ask the Sheriff to Resign

The captains join a growing chorus of sworn officers and officials across all levels of government to call for the sheriff to step down amid allegations she and her top brass abused their power and engaged in other wrongdoing.

California Highway Patrol Exceeds Recruiting Goal

The CHP’s multi-year recruitment campaign, initiated in June 2022, has garnered significant interest, with over 21,000 applications submitted in the first ten months of 2024 alone.

Screen shot from recruiting section of California Highway Patrol website.

Sanitation Commissioner, NYPD Veteran to Lead New York’s Finest

Jessica Tisch is a 12-year veteran of the NYPD and the current commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. She was previously the NYPD's technology czar.

Proposed Cuts of Chicago Police Resources Could Violate Consent Decree

State Attorney General Kwame Raoul separately warned the mayor that adopting cuts proposed in his new budget would place Chicago "at significant risk of being held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the consent decree."

New LAPD Chief Says Crime Statistics Skewed by Unreported Incidents

Chief Jim McDonnell voiced concern about the perception of disorder — and the reality that crimes are going unreported because some believe nothing will be done to investigate.

Page 1 of 229