How Civil Service Rules Apply to Monroe's Police Chief
By: Daisy O'Donnell
Updated: August 2, 2010
Time is ticking for Police Chief Ron Schleuter. By the end of the week, the mayor decides what’s in store for him as Monroe’s top cop.
So far, the city’s given Schleuter two chances to speak out at city hall and paid him almost six months of administrative leave.
Why?
Chief Schleuter is a public employee who is protected by civil service laws that guarantee employees can’t be fired without cause.
Since February, when the chief was suspended, the city’s reviewed evidence, given the chief two hearings at city hall, and allowed the chief to give his side of the story after he was accused of secretly recording public officials like Jamie Mayo.
“Likewise, if the city loses at some point, the city could appeal up the chain,” says Oxenhandler.
“If there’s any decision to discipline anyone, at that point the civil service board can issue subpoenas, to anyone Schleuter and attorneys want to appear at that hearing,” says Alexandria attorney Steve Oxenhandler, who’s leading the investigation.
So far, the city’s given Schleuter two chances to speak out at city hall and paid him almost six months of administrative leave.
Why?
Chief Schleuter is a public employee who is protected by civil service laws that guarantee employees can’t be fired without cause.
Since February, when the chief was suspended, the city’s reviewed evidence, given the chief two hearings at city hall, and allowed the chief to give his side of the story after he was accused of secretly recording public officials like Jamie Mayo.
“Likewise, if the city loses at some point, the city could appeal up the chain,” says Oxenhandler.
“If there’s any decision to discipline anyone, at that point the civil service board can issue subpoenas, to anyone Schleuter and attorneys want to appear at that hearing,” says Alexandria attorney Steve Oxenhandler, who’s leading the investigation.
