Big Idea

• Police Chief Steven Roser had some complaints from staff
• Allegations were of harassment leading to a hostile work environment
• The investigations of allegations of violation of the Town’s Code regarding Harassment, Honesty and Integrity, and Staffing decisions unfounded
• Some Town Code alleged reports of violation were sustained as applied to Chief Roser’s communication style
• Read more...

The investigation of Police Chief Steven Roser has been completed

The Town of Prescott Valley Human Resources Department has completed an investigation into Police Chief Steven Roser regarding alleged violations of Town policies and procedures. Chief Roser was placed on paid administrative leave on April 27 pending completion of the investigation. 

A summary of the investigation report states that staff at the Prescott Valley Police Department reported to Mayor Kell Palguta incidents that if true would potentially violate the Town’s Code of Conduct and Harassment policies, thereby creating a hostile work environment within the department. 

The allegations of harassment leading to a hostile work environment related to Chief Roser’s interactions primarily with supervisory staff at the department. Allegations were also made pertaining to Roser’s administrative and policy decisions in the areas of recruitment, shift and vehicle assignments. Some allegations also referred to Roser’s communication and management style.

The investigation deemed the allegations of violation of the Town’s Code regarding Harassment, Honesty and Integrity, and Staffing decisions unfounded.

Alleged reports of violation of Town Code regarding Code of Conduct and Standards of Conduct were sustained as they applied to Chief Roser’s communication style with his management team, his use of profanity, name calling, dealing with performance deficiencies in a group of employees, and other discourteous and disrespectful conduct. 

The investigation recommended a two-day unpaid suspension and a letter of reprimand, along with remedial training on Emotional Intelligence and Code of Conduct. It was also recommended that the Chief’s office provide additional training and resources to staff, communication of changes in procedures and protocols to staff well in advance of implementation, and that the Chief advise and honor that the Town has an open door policy for all personnel to communicate to Town leadership in accordance with policies without fear of retaliation. 

These recommendations were approved by Town Manager Larry Tarkowski, and after completion of the two-day unpaid suspension, Chief Roser returned to work on Monday, May 17.