Police Chief Battles Personnel Issues

Tools

Story Published: Jan 20, 2009 at 6:40 PM PDT

By Steve Wellman

Watch the story
"I think there's no doubt Sam Granato brings a different style. He comes in as an agent of change." City manager Dick Zais defends Yakima's police chief after a cluster of claims against the top cop.

Last week the Public Employment Relations Commission ruled Chief Granato retaliated against a police union representative, Officer Elaine Gonzalez, and that the city had withheld public records from the union.

This ruling is the outcome of Gonzalez's hearing last year before a state examiner.

Also this month two senior officers, Sergeant Brenda George and Captain Rod Light each lodged their own formal complaints against Chief Granato. Granato denies any wrongdoing. City attorneys and the city manager are still looking at the options and want to avoid misleading the public before all the facts are known.

Dick Zais says "You guys in the media get a double dose of this because you'll be informed about a claim and that claim may be dismissed and then it will turn up as a lawsuit."

Some of this dates back to an incident involving a Police Athletic League employee, Crystal Dodge, who claimed another officer mocked her speech impediment and that the Chief did not adequately discipline the officer for doing that.

Dodge's claim was recently settled for $200,000.00.

City officials say many claims are unfounded, but Granato is no stranger to complaints and filings against him by the union. One case ruled on by the PERC but later overturned was that of fired Officer Mike Rummell. He contested his termination, but it was ruled justified.

Still, Zais admits personnel matters have been bumpy. “I think the Chief has done a good job for our community but I know he has some personnel issues he has to work through,” he tells Action News.

And as for the latest P.E.R.C. ruling and two other claims: officials say they can't give any more details now because lawsuits could still happen later.

City spokesperson Randy Beehler says "It's difficult for us to comment much beyond simply saying that the claims are under review."

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected