Investigator Finds Four of 14 Allegations Sustained
Lance King, an attorney from Tukwila, conducted an investigation of the former Prosser Police Chief by interviewing 17 witnesses and reviewing five source documents. He found that incoming Twisp Police Chief Jay King violated four department policies- 1) failure to have a magazine in his duty weapon, 2) failure to wear a body camera when conducting traffic stops, 3) failure to have his vehicle dash camera on during traffic stops and 4) failing to wear a seat belt while driving a police-issued vehicle.
Chief King admitted to these infractions in his interview with Investigator King.
The City of Prosser began an independent investigation after Jesus Alvarez, Business Agent for Teamsters Local 839, said the former Prosser Police Chief “destroyed officer morale” and “created a toxic work environment” in the Prosser Police Department. Alvarez submitted a letter of no confidence by the union to the mayor and Prosser City Administrator Tom Glover on Jan. 5.
Although the letter carried no legal weight, Mayor Vegar requested an independent investigation. Chief King was put on administrative leave on Jan. 11. Investigator King concluded his review on Feb. 15, finding four of the 14 allegations under his purview sustained. Chief King submitted his letter of resignation on Feb. 23.
During a meet and greet with the public at a Twisp City Council meeting July 23, Chief King said the vote of no confidence consisted of six people, the number of full-time non-probationary officers that were eligible to vote. There are 12 commissioned police officers in the Prosser Police Department, according to the city’s website.
Investigator King agreed with Alvarez’ conclusion that Chief King “has lost the faith, trust and confidence of the majority of the employees in the [Prosser Police] Department.” His report found that “most employees stated that nothing can be done in the future to regain their trust and confidence in Chief King.”
However, Inspector King’s findings, as well as recommendations from people that worked with Chief King, buoyed Twisp Mayor Hans Smith to take a chance.
“We have affirmative statements from the former City Administrator, a recently retired Sergeant from the police department, and the city Finance and Human Resources Director from Prosser all stating positive things about Mr. King’s professionalism and capability as a Police Chief,” Smith said in an email.
A hiring committee, which included Smith, Okanogan County Sherriff Paul Budrow, Aero Methow Rescue Service’s Director of Services Cindy Button, and Council Members Aaron Studen and Tim Matsui, recommended hiring Chief King.
Smith said Chief King would be hired under a one-year probationary period, during which time he can fire him at will. He said any complaints would come to him directly.
Budrow said he would also keep an eye on him, saying during a council meeting July 23 that he would, at least initially, oversee calls and “hold his feet to the fire.” Budrow said Chief King has an opportunity to build the Twisp Police Department around himself. The department includes a clerk and one police officer, in addition to the police chief.
In a statement posted on the Town of Twisp website, Smith said, “Despite our own initial skepticism, our subsequent investigation and interviews with Mr. King have caused us to understand that Mr. King is a qualified and potentially excellent candidate that truly should be considered given our current needs. What we have found while looking into Mr. King’s record and background is that he has performed well as a law enforcement leader and administrator throughout his career, excepting the recent negative experience that occurred in Prosser, Washington. “
Chief King worked for the Montgomery Police Department in Alabama for 26 years before becoming Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police in Unalaska, Alaska. Following lawsuits that began before his arrival, Chief King left that job after two years to join the Prosser Police Department. Chief King was confirmed by the Prosser City Council on Feb. 28, 2023. He stayed in that position almost a year before resigning.