Formal complaint filed involving city's chief of police

A formal written complaint involving Shawnee Police Chief Bill Mathis was filed with the city of Shawnee Tuesday. The chief remains on a two-week paid vacation and city officials are looking into personnel matters stemming from an alleged verbal incident between Mathis and a union attorney Friday at city hall.
The actual complaint was not released by city officials because it involves a confidential personnel matter; its content was unknown. Interim City Manager Phyllis Loftis told the News-Star that Ken King, union president, filed the written complaint with the city.
Loftis said, “We are waiting on legal advice on what is the next step and how to proceed from here.”
She said the city is being proactive about looking into personnel issues involving Mathis but said she couldn’t comment further on personnel matters.
King also confirmed a complaint was filed with the city, but he declined to release the complaint. “This is about trying to resolve an issue,” he said.
“It is now the responsibility and liability of the city,” King said, referring to the complaint being in the hands of city officials.
Numerous sources have told the News-Star that a verbal encounter allegedly took place between the chief and the police union’s attorney, but specific details about what may have occurred is not being released.
The alleged confrontation occurred during a scheduled arbitration dispute hearing at city hall Friday between the city and local police union officials to discuss on-call compensation for officers.
That meeting began at 9 a.m. and was requested by the police union to recess at 11:30 a.m. and to be rescheduled at a later date.
Some sources alleged Mathis was on leave or suspension because of the alleged verbal incident, but city officials said he’s taking vacation time. Mathis informed department heads and Loftis via e-mail Friday about his abrupt decision to take vacation time.
During Mathis’ absence, Lt. Russell Frantz is serving as acting police chief. He was appointed to that post late Friday afternoon.
Mathis also confirmed he’s taking vacation time. As far as the complaint, Mathis said Tuesday, “I haven’t seen anything.”
Even if he knew what information it contained, Mathis told the News-Star he couldn’t make comments about it because this is a personnel issue.
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Amanda Gire may be reached at 214-3934.
Kim Morava may be reached at 214-3962.