by Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel issued a statement Monday about the JCPD. He said that the City has received a number of inquiries about the status of the Police Department after the recent announcement of Chief John Lamb’s departure.
Dinkel noted that in late February, workplace concerns came to the attention of officials. "The City engaged a third-party to interview employees, review information and determine whether City policy had been violated. The City placed individuals on paid administrative leave as a precautionary measure - to reduce the possibility of incidental contact between the parties and alleviate any concerns about intimidation and/or retaliation."
The city manager stated, "That although we understand the desire to for details pertaining to the concerns, the information gathered and the third-party’s determinations, maintaining confidentiality is necessary to ensure employees will report any concerning conduct in the future. Prompt reporting is key to prompt resolution and aligns with the City’s strong desire to maintain a positive work environment for all of its employees."
Dinkel stated that the Captain of Investigations Cory Odell and Captain of Operations Kirt Nichols are covering the duties of the Chief of Police until an interim is named or a suitable candidate can be found.