Prosser police chief out after less than a year, ‘abuse of power’ investigation
Prosser’s chief of police is out following a month-long investigation and “no-confidence” vote by his officers.
Prosser Chief Jay King resigned, effectively immediately, on Friday, according to a news release from the city. He was hired by the city to lead the department last March.
“The city thanks Chief King for his service and dedication during his tenure and wishes him the very best in his endeavors,” Prosser Public Information Officer Rachel Shaw wrote in the release.
King said in his resignation letter that he had hoped to stay with the department, but now believes it would be best served by someone else.
“It has been my pleasure to serve the city of Prosser and its residents. In my 33 years of law enforcement experience, I have had the privilege to work with many agencies and I had hoped to spend many more with the city of Prosser,” King wrote. “It has always been my intention to do what is best for the department, and at this time, it appears that the department might be best served by another leader.”
“Therefore, I submit my resignation with the hope that the Prosser Police Department is successful in their efforts to serve and protect the community of Prosser. I also offer my assistance and support in any way needed now and in the future.”
King had been on paid administrative leave since mid-January, after a “no confidence” vote from a majority of his officers.
A third-party investigation began Jan. 17 into allegations made by Prosser Police Department staff, according to a city of Prosser announcement last month.
Sgt. John Markus will continue to serve as interim police chief. He has worked for Prosser for 25 years.
At the end of last week Teamsters Local 839 sent a letter to the city saying that King had devastated morale, bullied officers and disregarded Prosser police policies and Washington state law. “Chief King’s abuse of power, narcissistic attitude toward police officers and bullying are more than any employee should put up with,” wrote Teamsters Business Agent Jesus Alvarez in January.
The Teamsters Local letter said King is responsible for 75% of the department’s employees leaving or trying to find other employment since he became chief in March.
“Prosser Police Department is now the utter laughingstock of the lower (Yakima) valley law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch communities,” Alvarez wrote in the letter.
Chief Jay King King allegedly created a toxic work environment where he “bullied employees to the point of great stress and HR/Union action due to targeted, unlawful and sexist actions,” Alvarez wrote.
In addition, King is accused of berating employees when they raised concerns about the legality, ethics or efficiency of his suggestions. And the Teamsters claim King violated basic safety protocols while on duty at critical scenes.
That includes showing up at potential crime scenes with an unloaded gun and not wearing body armor. That creates a situation where officers not only have to worry about a possibly dangerous situation, they also need to worry about the chief’s safety because he is not equipped correctly, Alvarez said.
This story was originally published February 23, 2024 at 5:53 PM.
