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SUNNY Temp: 60 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, August 28, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend August 6, 2003 Few details surface in Phoenix police probe By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune PHOENIX — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation within the Phoenix Police Department at the same time police Lt. Robert J. McKean, second in command, is on paid administrative leave. Mayor Larry Parducci requested the investigation, which city officials describe as a "personnel matter." Parducci said the City Council and the city attorney put McKean on leave July 22. Sheriff Mike Winters would not characterize the investigation nor link McKean to it specifically. "It’s a matter within the police department," said Winters. "I don’t want to make any assumptions." Winters said his department began its investigation last week. He anticipates giving the mayor both an oral and a written report next week. The council will hold an executive session on Aug. 18 to discuss McKean’s leave. Advertisement McKean’s attorney, David Ingalls, said he hopes to resolve the issue with the city and to have McKean reinstated before an executive session is needed. He would not go into details. "We hope to reinstate him," said Ingalls. "Beyond that I’m not going to comment. I don’t think it’s very productive in the interest of the city and Mr. Mc-Kean to aggravate the situation." Ingalls said he’s making a good-faith effort to settle the matter and assumes the city is doing the same. He has been in contact with City Attorney Larry Kerr. Kerr was on vacation and unavailable for comment Tuesday. McKean was out of town and unavailable for comment, said his wife, Jill McKean. A locked Phoenix police car was parked across from McKean’s residence Tuesday afternoon. City officials contacted Tuesday said they were unable to comment on the matter. "It’s sort of an ongoing personnel matter," said City Administrator Don Walker. "It’s not appropriate to talk about it at this point." "It’s a personnel issue," said police Chief Bob Kershaw. "I can’t address it. I’m prohibited by law." Councilman Dan Sauro also said he’d been advised not to comment. Another city councilman said he was surprised the matter didn’t come up at Monday’s council meeting. "We had a council meeting last night and I expected to hear more about it," Hal Burks said Tuesday. McKean has served with the police department for a little more than two years, Kershaw said. McKean was also interim police chief of Shady Cove in 2002. The police department has eight sworn officers, including the chief and McKean. The department also has a clerk and 19 reserve officers. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times