WSU police chief and two staff retiring following investigation

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The Moscow-Pullman Daily News is reporting the Washington State University police chief and his two top command staff are retiring following an internal investigation that concluded they mishandled a complaint and subsequent punitive action against an officer accused of having sexual relations while on duty at the university.

According to the newspaper, Wazzu Chief of Police Bill Gardner, Assistant Chief Steve Hansen and Capt. Mike Larsen were placed on home assignment in July when the university launched a formal investigation into the department. The command staff reportedly chose to retire to avoid possible further administrative action.

WSU officials say the officer at the center of the investigation, Sergeant Matthew Kuhrt, has been accused of sexual misconduct.

Kuhrt was also placed on home assignment in March when another officer received a third-hand complaint and felt appropriate action was not being taken by the police department.

A Human Resources investigation was conducted against the three administrative personnel and has since concluded, but a Compliance and Civil Rights investigation, including possible Title IX action against Kuhrt, is ongoing. (Moscow-Pullman Daily News)

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