TWIN FALLS -- Twin Falls County Sheriff Wayne Tousley filmed campaign commercials using on-duty officers in uniform.

The independent incumbent's on-the-clock election activity could violate a county ethics policy in his race against Tom Carter, Tousley's Republican challenger.

The 4-year-old policy forbids county employees to "actively engage in election practices" while on duty or "during the normal county workday which disrupts" other employees, or while in uniform. They also can't ask to help on campaigns for elected officials.

Tousley reimbursed the county just over $125 for the commercials and says they promote not only his campaign, but the agency as a whole.

But county officials including Commissioner Tom Mikesell joined Carter in crying foul, saying the activity is clearly inappropriate.