Officer Barrett back on patrol following investigation

Internal affairs probe found no cause to dismiss Shaun Barrett after casino arrest

By Stover E. Harger III

The South County Spotlight, Feb 24, 2010, Updated Feb 24, 2010 (9 Reader comments)

ADVERTISEMENTS

A five-month-long internal affairs investigation into Scappoose Police Officer Shaun Barrett has ended, and he is now back on the force.

The investigation was opened in September to examine his conduct regarding criminal charges against Barrett accusing him of being drunk and disorderly at Spirit Mountain Casino.

The incident in question revolves around a Sept. 25 night at the Grand Ronde, Ore. casino’s nightclub “Raindrops” where Barrett was reportedly drinking with other police department staff. Police reports obtained by the Spotlight in December indicated that Barrett became intoxicated and confrontational towards a security guard after he was asked to leave.

When Barrett refused, he was later arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and lodged in the Polk County Jail.

The charges of misdemeanor physical harassment and criminal trespass were dismissed after a civil compromise was reached in Polk County on Dec. 11.

Scappoose Police Chief Doug Greisen said the last five months have been troubling for him as leader of his department.

“You know how many sleepless nights I’ve had over this,” Greisen said. “I take it personal, but I can’t take it personal.”

Criticism has been lobbed from some in the community at the police department regarding the length of time it took for the investigation to finish — all while Barrett remained on paid leave. One Scappoose man who knows Barrett, but requested his name not be mentioned, has followed the situation closely and said — after finding out the decision was made to keep him on the job — that it was a mistake.

“I’d like to see all the information that was made available to Chief Greisen for him to make that decision,” the Scappoose man said.

Greisen said the investigation took as long as it had to, especially in light that they wanted to make sure it was thorough and followed standard practice. Internal affairs conducted interviews with all Spirit Mountain employees who were listed as witnesses, something Greisen said was difficult to wrap up quickly.

“They were cooperative,” he said about Spirit Mountain Casino allowing staff to give testimonies. “But they weren’t very speedy, in my opinion.”

1 | 2 Next Page >>