Mattawa police chief on leave during audit of office

MATTAWA - Mattawa Police Chief Steve Jensen is on administrative leave, as of July 10, while his department is audited, Mayor Judy Esser has announced.

Esser did not say there was a problem with Jensen's work or what it might be, but she did say the intent of the audit is to lead the city to a "better police department."

Jensen's absence leaves the city with limited police protection. Officer John Ingersoll is on leave as of early July. Esser would not say what the challenge is with Ingersoll, but she said his "personal matter" is being investigated by a lower Yakima Valley police department.

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.

Jensen's office is being audited by Canfield Solutions of Ephrata, which provides insurance and risk management for businesses and municipalities.

Among other things, Canfield is expected to determine what the proper police staffing should be for Mattawa. Esser noted Mattawa compares to Ephrata in population and has fewer than half as many officers.

Esser said she'll be forthcoming after the PD audit and Ingersoll investigation. She hopes to know more within a couple of weeks.