Ballwin, Missouri – The former police chief of Ballwin, Douglas Schaeffler, has filed a lawsuit against the city after being removed from his position by the board of aldermen. Schaeffler alleges that the board violated state law by voting to remove him behind closed doors without giving him a formal hearing or issuing findings of facts and conclusions of law. According to the lawsuit, his removal was a direct result of his involvement in investigating a criminal complaint against the mayor and another city official. The lawsuit also claims that the board deprived Schaeffler of his right to due process.
Schaeffler’s termination came after a unanimous vote by the board, following a period of administrative leave. The closed session during which the decision was made addressed legal matters, personnel/employee matters, and real estate. The lawsuit points out that the board failed to comply with Missouri’s Administrative Procedures Act and violated Schaeffler’s right to due process as guaranteed by the state constitution.
The city, however, has countered the allegations in Schaeffler’s lawsuit. They hired an outside investigator who found that five allegations against Schaeffler were substantiated, including violations of established policy such as purchasing alcohol while on duty and in uniform, misuse of the criminal and traffic information system for non-law enforcement purposes, and harassment, discrimination, and retaliation towards department employees. The city also claims that Schaeffler violated Missouri law by driving a city vehicle after consuming alcohol.
Ballwin Mayor Tim Pogue released a statement criticizing the lawsuit and outlining the reasons for Schaeffler’s removal. The mayor stated that a culture had been created in which officers felt pressured to drink alcohol with the former police chief in order to gain promotions. Pogue emphasized that the city had followed the proper legal procedures in the termination process.
Since Schaeffler’s removal, Captain John Bergfeld has been serving as the acting police chief. The lawsuit raises the possibility of retaliation against Schaeffler after he requested an investigation into a criminal complaint against the mayor and a former city administrator. However, the investigation deemed the complaint unfounded as the alleged victim did not wish to pursue criminal charges.
In summary, the former police chief of Ballwin, Douglas Schaeffler, has filed a lawsuit against the city alleging violations of state law and his right to due process. The city disputes the claims and hired an outside investigator who substantiated several allegations against Schaeffler. Mayor Tim Pogue called the lawsuit frivolous and stated that the city had followed the proper procedures in the termination process. Captain John Bergfeld is currently serving as the acting police chief.