by Dave DeMars
news@thenewsleaders.com
After 30 minutes of discussion in a closed session at the end of the June 4 regular meeting, the St. Joseph City Council accepted the resignation of Police Chief Joel Klein.
The city administrator received Klein’s letter of resignation on May 31 effective immediately. The final action was the council’s acceptance of the resignation June 4. Klein was not in attendance at the meeting nor was his attorney.
Klein was placed on administrative leave April 19 after claims were made against him.
Sgt. Dwight Pfannenstein, who was named acting chief when Klein was suspended, remains in that role.
Details of the investigation are private data, according to the Minnesota Data Practices Act.
Klein joined the police department in 2001 as a part-time officer. He moved to full time in 2004. He became chief in 2013.
The council has ordered additional emphasis be placed on training staff in dealing with workplace harassment training, whistle blower and retaliation policy, and implementation of a police audit system to ensure processes and procedures are being followed.
