KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) -Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley has been placed on paid administrative leave by City Manager James Ritsema after allegations of harassment have recently been filed by city employees against Coakley.
Ritsema says the city has hired an outside, independent investigator to review the accusations, and that Chief Coakley has been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. That means he has been relieved of all Public Safety authority and responsibilities.
KDPS Deputy Chief David Boysen will serve as Acting Public Safety Chief until further notice.
In a news release, the City Manager said the investigation is being undertaken “with thoroughness and diligence, and no determinations have been made at this time. There is no estimate at this time regarding the length of time that the investigation will take.”
The release goes on to say “The City of Kalamazoo takes allegations of harassment very seriously and will fully investigate any claims as required by law and the City’s personnel policies.”
No further information has been released by the city.
