Owen Police Chief Resigns After Allegations of Misconduct Come to Light
Thursday, December 21st, 2017 -- 10:51 AM
(USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) -The Owen police chief is under investigation for numerous allegations of misconduct, including failing to arrest a drunken driver who nearly hit a pedestrian and directing an officer to spy on a candidate for City Council.Police Chief Andrew Schade has been on paid leave since September, when city officials grew concerned about complaints from residents. In a 26-page report from Dunn County Sheriff's Department investigator Todd Kurtzahls, obtained by USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin from the city of Owen, Schade was accused of neglecting basic job duties and misusing police department resources. The report was completed December 13th. Owen City Council President Pamela Jaffke requested the investigation into Schade's behavior after a closed-session meeting about the accusations against him. Kurtzahls was brought in from another county to avoid a conflict of interest with local law enforcement agencies.
The report says the investigation was prompted by Schade's failure to ensure the police department provided fair and equal treatment to all members of the public and failure to enforce the laws and ordinances of the city, Clark County and state. It also cites unsatisfactory job performance and negligence. The report also noted that Schade failed to cooperate with the investigation. He was put on paid leave on Sept. 12 and is continuing to be paid $23 an hour, according to the city of Owen. Meanwhile, the Clark County Sheriff's Department is serving Owen because its police department is vacant.
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