Internal grievances, survey may have led to Williston Police Chief’s administrative leave

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The City of Williston placed Police Chief Dave Peterson on administrative leave last week. While officials can’t speak on the reason for the decision, an internal survey showed several areas of concern at the Williston Police Department over the past year.

City documents state complaints have been mentioned by police staff since this summer. In August, City Administrator Shawn Wenko and Commissioner James Bervig met with Peterson to discuss those concerns. In October, the department conducted the survey with more than 90% of staff responding.

While the results show a mixed bag in several fields, the negative responses included dissatisfaction with leadership, low morale within the department, and a perception of poor communication with the administration.

Wenko said the focus following the results of the survey is on finding ways to increase transparency, morale, communication and the amount of workload officers handle.

Wenko made the point that there are no criminal issues involved.

He added city officials have not determined who will conduct the investigation nor the timeline of Peterson’s leave.