No change at Mattawa Police Department

MATTAWA - There has been no change at the Mattawa Police Department since it was announced that Chief Jensen and officer John Ingersoll were placed on leave pending two investigations.

The investigation involving Jensen is an audit, or assessment of his department. Mayor Judy Esser doesn't say something is wrong, only that the city council wants the best, most efficient police operation.

Ingersoll is on leave while an investigation continues of a matter of a personal nature. He was placed on leave early in July. Jensen's leave started July 10.

Both men are on leave with full pay. Meanwhile, the Grant County Sheriff's Department has agreed to cover some of Mattawa's patrol shifts. There is only one Mattawa officer available.

The PD assessment/audit is being conducted by Canfield Solutions of Ephrata. The Ingersoll matter is being investigated by a lower Yakima Valley PD.

Esser said both processes have been slowed by vacations.

- Staff report