MADRID, Iowa (AP) - City officials have indefinitely tabled a central Iowa mayor’s proposal to fire its police chief.
Madrid Police Chief Rick Tasler faces termination after numerous allegations of misconduct. He has been named in multiple federal lawsuits alleging excessive force.
The lawsuits also allege the city hired or maintained the employment of officers with “checkered” histories who have continued to engage in a pattern of professional or criminal wrongdoing against citizens.
The Madrid City Council unanimously voted at a special meeting Thursday to postpone making a decision regarding Tasler’s employment until an investigation of the professional wrongdoing allegations is completed.
Many residents came to support the police chief, saying he’s not guilty.
“He’s just been a great chief to the community,” Madrid resident Dustin Dalton said. “There’s no reason to get rid of him.”
Glen Downey is the attorney who filed the lawsuits against Tasler. He said at the meeting that Tasler has “zero respect for the Constitution and zero respect for those citizens he believes are not worthy of his protection.”
Mayor Kurt Kruse had called the meeting to terminate Tasler. Tasler alleged Kruse’s recommendation is political.
“I am backing the other mayor (candidate) who is running,” Tasler said. “I am very openly backing him, and he tried getting back at me for it. It’s as simple as that.”
The council’s decision comes days before a special election for the next mayor.
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