Kewaskum police chief, lieutenant could face discipline after hiring investigation
KEWASKUM, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Questions are being raised about whether the Kewaskum Police Department did its due diligence when hiring an officer - concerns that are now putting top leadership under review.
The Village Board has filed formal charges against Police Chief Thomas Bishop and Lieutenant Bryan Frank following an independent investigation into the hiring of Officer Jeremy Haske.
Village leaders say the issue first came to light after they received a tip, prompting a closer look into Haske’s background.
The investigation determined that proper vetting procedures were not followed.
Kewaskum Village Board President Fuzz Martin said, “A simple google search turned up a finding from the Juneau County court that officer Haske had been terminated from Juneau County and upheld on appeal for a number of very concerning charges.”
According to court records, Haske was previously fired from the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a lieutenant.
He was terminated in 2010 after findings that he mishandled evidence, fabricated information, lied under oath, and had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Martin said, “The police chief and lieutenant who are hiring this individual chose to disregard the court’s finding and offer their own opinion on the officer.”
The Village Board says those actions did not follow established hiring protocols and amounted to negligence.
Haske is now on paid administrative leave as the investigation shifts focus to department leadership.
Martin said, “There should be disciplinary action taken against both the chief and the lieutenant that was involved in that background check.”
He added, “Having a police force that our community trusts and that we know we can rely on is of the utmost importance so having a strong background check is extremely important.”
The case will now move to the Police and Fire Commission, which will decide what discipline, if any, will be imposed.
CBS 58 reached out to the police department for comment but have not hear back yet.
VILLAGE OF KEWASKUM, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Village Board of Kewaskum has announced they have filed formal charges with the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission against Police Chief Thomas Bishop and Lieutenant Bryan Frank.
In a release, the board says the charges outline failures of Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank to follow "established procedures and hiring protocols" related to the employment of a Kewaskum Police Officer.
Earlier this year, the Village Board says they were informed of allegations from the early 2000s involving the Officer during his employment with a previous law enforcement agency in Juneau County.
That investigation and disciplinary findings that were upheld in Juneau County Circuit Court ultimately led to his termination from the Juneau County law enforcement agency.
The Kewaskum Village Board says that the Officer's application to the Kewaskum Police Department "did not disclose the reason for the conclusion of his prior employment."
Following an independent investigation by the board, it was found that the hiring process did not meet the standards expected of department leadership and was not in the best interest of the department or the community.
The Officer remains on paid administrative leave while next steps in the process are determined.
Because the Village Board is not directly responsible for the hiring, reviwing or discipline within the Police Department, the charging process is required to request a review by its governing body, the Police and Fire Commission (PFC).
You can read more on the board's decision here.