Officials: 21 officers are being investigated
Sterling Heights— A police command officer has quit and 21 other officers are being investigated for alleged time card fraud, city officials said.
The command officer who resigned was in charge of the division where the misconduct allegedly occurred, according to Sterling Heights Police Chief Michael Reese.
The officers involved didn't accurately report leave time on their time cards over a three-month period. Reese also said the incidents were isolated in one of the department's three divisions.
"I want to assure residents that at no time during this period were street-level police services or investigative services compromised," Reese said Friday in a statement.
"Delivery of police services to the public remains steadfast, professional and responsive as ever. Furthermore, additional internal controls have been enacted to ensure similar types of incidents do not occur in the future."
Steve Guitar, the city's community relations director, said the investigation's preliminary findings show the misconduct is a personnel matter and did not warrant a criminal investigation.
An internal investigation has been launched, and Reese said he will consider imposing discipline on the officers involved, based on the probe's findings. The disciplinary process is expected to be complete in seven to 10 days, he said.
Jim Tignanelli, president of the Command Officers Association of Sterling Heights, said Friday it wouldn't be appropriate to comment until the investigation is concluded, and noted Reese has imposed disciplinary actions.
The Police Department has 36 command officers, and it would be unfair to paint all officers with the same broad brush, he also said.
"I'm proud of our guys, and I'm confident in the system," he said. "I'm confident the truth will be revealed in the investigation and that Chief Reese will do what is appropriate."