Slusser waives right to hearing

CELINA - Suspended police chief Dave Slusser has waived his right to a predisciplinary hearing scheduled for this morning, and the city may issue disciplinarily action against him soon, according to Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel.

The hearing would have afforded Slusser, who has been on paid administrative leave since Feb. 14, a chance to defend himself against a myriad of misconduct allegations, including insubordination, neglect of duties and dishonesty.

City safety service director Tom Hitchcock would have conducted the meeting in which Slusser could have presented testimony, witnesses or documents to explain whether the alleged conduct occurred.

Hazel said Slusser voluntarily signed and delivered a waiver to interim police chief Cal Freeman on Tuesday. Hazel had no further comment on the action.

Slusser said he had no comment on the issue when contacted by The Daily Standard this morning.

City administrators and city human resources consultant Clemans-Nelson and Associates will decide what type of disciplinary measure to impose on Slusser. Hazel refrained from stating what that might be.

"Some action will be taken based on the charges," Hazel said. "And I think that's where Clemans-Nelson comes in."

Slusser has the right to appeal to the local civil service commission any disciplinary action given to him.

Slusser, who joined the department in 1978 and has served as police chief since 1991, is eligible for retirement.

His pension is not at risk, Hazel said.

"In the public sector, the only time when something occurs to impact or affect the retirement benefits would be if there was some kind of criminal offense," Hazel said.

Slusser faces accusations of improperly handling evidence, falsifying official time sheets, retaining a pistol he was only to keep for a two-week test and evaluation, failing to properly process an envelope of evidence and leaving sensitive data on computers disseminated to city council members.