Officials give update on officer probe
PAaInIa rROVi >> With Pacific Grove residents clamoring to know what is going on with an investigation into a police officer’s alleged vulgar disparaging of Black Lives Matter, the mayor issued a statement saying elected officials have no direct influence on the investigation or the outcome.
Mayor Bill Peake issued a letter on Dec. 22 to the public that he said contains all the information that he’s been provided with relating to the investigation of an unnamed police officer who allegedly attached decals to his personal vehicle supporting a rightwing militia movement and then used profanity toward the Black Lives Matter movement on a social media platform.
A screenshot of the post was captured by a resident before being taken down.
On Nov. 29, Police Chief Cathy Madalone held a news conference announcing that the officer was placed on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation. In a statement released Monday, Madalone said the city had entered into a contract with Andrea R. Kramer Law, which specializes in labor and employment law as well as internal investigations.
On Monday, she issued another statement addressing the community’s head-scratching about an investigation taking so long when there is photographic evidence.
“I understand the frustration surrounding the matter and the urgency for the community,” Madalone stated. “I am committed to being as transparent as the law allows me to, which I’ve stated from the beginning. However, there is an administrative process the city must follow, and it takes time.