Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl has come under fire from a former member of the police department, who says that “over (his) dead body” would Schawl remain the chief in 2023.
Retired Borough Chief Detective John Scherf this week gave Schawl a multi-page document containing 71 specific accusations against the chief, both personal and professional, including allegations of misconduct toward blacks, homosexuals, and fellow police officers.
Scherf, who is now police chief of Cherry Tree Borough, wrote that he had filed his complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for violations of the federal Whistleblower Protection Act, and has also forwarded the document to the American Civil Liberties Union and the state Attorney General’s Office. He threatens to reveal more information to the public if Schawl does not resign.
Chief Schawl released a redacted version of the document to Renda Media and the Indiana Gazette, and in a meeting yesterday, responded to the accusations, denying almost all of the claims, except for the use of foul language.
Schawl said that he believed that this was a retaliatory measure as the letter came one day after an internal investigation into a member of the police force was complete
The chief added that he released the document to the news media because he did not want to hide the dispute from the public. He called it a matter of trust and said it’s been a very difficult time for him and his family.
After Schawl’s interview, Scherf responded to an interview request, saying he would be willing to take a polygraph test. In response, Schawl said that he would follow the orders of his superiors.
Indiana Mayor Bill Simmons and borough Solicitor Pat Dougherty were also present at that meeting. Simmons said he supports Chief Schawl, whom he called a good man “doing a great job”, while Dougherty said it was an ongoing investigation and would not comment at this time.
