Kiski Twp. Police left almost entirely unstaffed after four officers issue resignations
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Kiski Township Police Department is almost entirely unstaffed following the resignation of four officers.
Sergeant Thomas Dessell told KDKA-TV that four officers and the department's secretary resigned due to harassment and intimidation. The resignations went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
Dissell said he gave the township's supervisors a labor grievance during a township meeting on Wednesday that detailed the allegations leading up to his resignation.
In the grievance, Dessell claims he's had numerous run-ins with supervisors in the township, including Supervisor Michael Bash. Beginning in January of 2020, Dessell claims Bash threatened he'd lose his job when he reported a violation against another officer in the department.
Dessell said Bash questioned why the officer was suspended and said, "Could you look the other way on this as we couldn't afford to lose another officer if Clark resigns."
The grievance also mentioned another alleged incident that happened in October of last year, stating that township supervisors were actively monitoring the department's cameras during interviews of witnesses and/or suspects.
Dessell said he placed a sticky note on the cameras so supervisors couldn't view them but added that he was later questioned about it by Supervisor Chuck Rodnicki.
As for staffing, Kiski Township Solicitor Tim Miller said the only officers remaining on duty are the school resource officer and the police chief, who was just appointed on Wednesday.
He assured residents of the township and North Apollo, which is serviced by Kiski, that they'd be covered by state police in Kittanning, calling this a short-term move. Miller said hiring can't happen until a public meeting is held.
"Long-term, obviously, the board of supervisors and chief of police intend to restaff and hire additional officers on the force," Miller said.
Some residents said bringing in state police to cover the area is a concern.
"Officers should be more readily available and should get more done," North Apollo resident Jason Lookhart said.
The Kiski Township solicitor couldn't comment on the harassment and intimidation allegations. He did say Dissell also plans to file a lawsuit against the township as early as next week.
KDKA reached out to the township supervisors and was told they had no comment.
State police say they do have the resources to provide police services to residents in this area. However, they do stress response times won't be the same. They say troopers will respond to calls in order of emergency priority.
