Police problems not resolved

MATTAWA - The investigation and audit that are the cause of under-staffing at the Mattawa Police Department have not been resolved.

And it appears that at least the one involving the PD office will go on for a while. One clerical staff person has been shifted there to help.

The city council was introduced to retired Ephrata police officer Joe Varick at its last meeting, Aug. 16. The council signed a consulting contract with Varick, which calls for him to get the PD into ship shape.

According to City Clerk Robin Newcomb, Varick sends a confidential report on his findings to Mayor Judy Esser each week. She said he has reported that there are "a few minor changes to make" to the PD's policies and procedures.

Esser is not saying exactly why Chief Steve Jensen has been placed on paid leave. However it appears the audit involves the operation of his office. She has said the goal is a better, more efficient office.

The person who is being shifted temporarily to the PD office is Maybeline Pantaleon, who normally works with Newcomb. Varick has sent her to Spillman training, and she's scheduled for evidence training this week.

In addition to working on improving the operation of the PD office, Varick and Pantaleon have been reviewing the civil service list in regards to hiring one or two new officers.

In the other matter that has short-handed the PD, officer John Ingersoll is being investigated for what Esser terms a personal matter.

With Jensen and Ingersoll both sidelined, the PD has only one officer. He is working overtime and being paid accordingly. He is getting some patrol help from the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

The next police academy is scheduled for Nov. 1. Esser and the council hope to have one or two new officers hired by then.

Esser hopes to eventually have five officers at the PD. Newcomb noted the city has budgeted for four the last couple of years but has employed only three.