Investigation of Prineville police chief nears end

Nine months to the day, as of Wednesday: That’s how long Prineville Police Chief Eric Bush has been on paid leave, pending a multiple-agency investigation.

So far, there’s still no public word why Bush has been under investigation.

City officials have refused to comment on-camera for months, but Mayor Betty Roppe told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday the investigation is finally wrapping up.

She said the city has the completed report conducted by the Local Government Personnel Institute, the outside organization that led the investigation.

Roppe said the report will not be made public until the city completes its investigation in the coming weeks.

NewsChannel 21 has submitted a public records request for the documents.

Meanwhile, some Prineville residents said they’re fed up by the length of the investigation.

“Investigations always seem to take longer than they should,” said Prineville resident Neva McPherson.

City budget documents show annual salaries for chief of police range from about $80,000 to a little more than $100,00.

City officials said they wouldn’t release Bush’s salary without a public records request.

“Injustice can drag on for years, and it shouldn’t when he’s being paid to not be working,” said resident Sharron Merwin.

While there’s frustration with lack of information, there’s also support. Former City Councilor Chet Petersen said he’s not surprised the investigation has taken so long.

“Investigations take a lot of time,” Petersen said. “Particularly when you’re dealing with three, possibly four governmental agencies. And you have to make certain every ‘T’ is crossed, every ‘I’ is dotted.”

Still, everyone seems to agree it’s time to wrap up the investigation.

“It needs to be resolved,” Merwin said.

Those feelings are echoed by Roppe, who promises the city will have answers soon.

NewsChannel 21 has also learned the Oregon National Guard has submitted documents for the investigation.

Bush also serves the country as a brigadier general. Military officials said they are not conducting their own investigation.