The Village Board of Kewaskum released a statement on Friday, April 3.
The Board is providing an update regarding an ongoing matter involving the Kewaskum Police Department and the filing of charges with the Police and Fire Commission following the conclusion of an independent investigation. It was conducted under the guidance of the Village of Kewaskum labor and employment counsel.
The Village Board has filed formal charges with the Kewaskum Police and Fire Commission. Charges have been filed against Kewaskum Police Chief Thomas Bishop and Lieutenant Bryan Frank. The charges outline failures by Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank to follow established procedures and hiring protocols related to the employment of a Kewaskum Police Officer. The investigation found conduct that the Board believes reflects a level of negligence inconsistent with departmental policies and the professional standards expected of leadership.
The Kewaskum Village Board was informed of allegations from the early 2000s involving the officer during his employment with a prior law enforcement agency in Juneau County. That matter resulted in disciplinary findings that were upheld on appeal in Juneau County Circuit Court and ultimately, his termination from the Juneau County law enforcement agency. The officer’s application to the Kewaskum Police Department did not disclose the reason for the conclusion of his prior employment. The independent investigation examined whether appropriate due diligence was conducted prior to the officer’s hire, and whether department leadership fulfilled its responsibilities under established hiring and vetting procedures.
The findings support the Kewaskum Board’s determination that the hiring process did not meet the standards expected 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. The Commission will now conduct its own proceedings in accordance with Wisconsin law.
According to the statement from the Kewaskum Village Board, filing charges with the Police and Fire Commission is the appropriate legal mechanism under Wisconsin law to ensure that these matters are reviewed thoroughly, fairly and transparently. This process is fair to all parties, providing both Chief Bishop and Lt. Frank with the opportunity to justify the process and their actions.
