Twisp Police Chief dismissed

[Slade]

Post on the town web page that the mayor has dismissed Jay King as Twisp Chief of Police. MV News has put up an article on their FB page covering the information to some extent, though what the triggering issue was is not disclosed.

[SherpaDave]

Not a surprise after at his last two jobs. How did he get through vetting? At least he was still on his probationary period as the Twisp Chief of Police.

He lasted less than one year as chief in Prosser, WA where three-quarters of police department employees had resigned or sought other jobs since King became chief. The police union accused King of bullying and creating a toxic work environment.

King served 2 years in Unalaska, AK and resigned in December 2022, following the settlement of four lawsuits from former officers accusing the department of creating a hostile work environment. The settlement paid by the city was $760,000.

[connieburke]

This is probably a stupid question, but why don't we partner with Winthrop and provide services over both areas? One chief and one deputy here seems silly. We could have one chief and 4 deputies by combining our resources.

[biglakejudy]

I watched the process of hiring this guy pretty close. All my sensors went bonkers about him. He was hired anyway. This is how I feel about it. The City hired him without concern for us. There was a lot of garbage behind that mans shed. Now hes been fired but we aren't 'allowed' to know why? I call it BS, We were at his mercy, as it were, then we should have full transparency. We should be informed of all the details. How can we trust those who are supposed to be working in our best interests if we are treated like children.

[Slade]

Connie, every time over the years where either Twisp or Winthrop has had a policing issue, the other town is doing OK and unwilling to do the combination. I suspect that the loss of exclusive control over such a vital function is more than either town is willing to give up. As you can see from the comments, their citizens want that accountability.

Bob

[connieburke]

That's unfortunate and short sighted.

[karlukkid]

I agree with you Connie.Bruce Herron