Statement by former Perryville police chief Keith Tarrillion in response to city's release of documents

Perryville, Mo., police chief released the following statement late Thursday in response to the Perryville city government's release of documents pertaining to an investigation of the chief's conduct and his ultimate resignation.

Documents released today show that the 'investigation' into my conduct as Perryville's elected chief of police was based on nothing more than rumors presented by employees who had recently been called to task for their own unprofessional and unethical behavior.

This investigation was conducted by an unlicensed investigator, in the state of Missouri all private investigators must be licensed under Missouri Law.

The entire 'investigation' was conducted with one outcome in mind, to find reason to remove me from office. Mr. Nenninger simply wrote down rumors and did no investigating. In fact, no statements made by police department personnel in my favor -- and there were such statements -- but they were not included in the summaries.

The information in this report are not based on facts and I will not attempt to defend myself against most of these rumors because, even if they were true -- and they are not -- they have no bearing on my duties or performance as the elected chief of police.

However, I will answer the charges of sexual discrimination, failure to protect officers and the allegation that I falsified a report.

I did not have any type of relationship with my employees. The review by Mr. Nenniger proved these allegations to be false. I did not allow others to threaten or sexually harass their coworkers, nor did I sexually harass my employees. I did not falsify a report.

In the incident involving threats by another officer, I clearly followed the city's policy and procedures in regard to progressive discipline. I discussed the matter with the officer in question, who admitted that he had written the inflammatory statement but said he had been using the phrase as one in our society often does by saying 'I'm so mad I could kill them' with no intent of harming either of his co-workers. He apologized to me and to the others, and I soon received an email from one of the other employees thanking me for handling the matter.

I did not promote or refuse to promote anyone on the basis of their gender or any personal relationship with me. The accusation of a back-dated policy is absurd. The administration of the department created a new policy which was dated at creation and that date was never changed. The city administrator asked to review that policy. That process may have confused the employee as to the date of the policy change. The employee in question wanted us to promote her directly from patrolman to sergeant and we did not do that. She is now a corporal. I stand by the policy and by my decision to promote her to corporal.

Finally, I again state that I did not falsify a report. My hot tub and table were vandalized on Halloween weekend, and I asked another officer to provide me with a report for the insurance company. He began making the report, and I provided the narrative per his request. This is neither illegal nor uncommon.

I was never given an opportunity to defend myself against these rumors and allegations. Ludwig's claim that my lawyer could have emailed him anything I wanted to say is an insult. My lawyer asked if we could speak to the Board of Aldermen about the allegations, and Ludwig said "it wasn't a good time". Several attemots were made to speak with the city council or investigator and they were all denied.

My decision to resign was also influenced by the fact that I feel betrayed by men I considered my best friends, who took statements and actions out of context to make it appear as though I was unfit to serve the people who elected me.

The thought of ever working with them again makes me physically ill. This has hurt my family, my department and our community. It has ruined the reputation of good officers who have done nothing but serve this community bravely and honorably.

I believe that I was a good chief and did what our community elected me to do. We worked hard to make sure this is a safe city and that our citizens feel protected and respected.

It's been difficult to see the justice system I've spent my whole life working for being used against me this way, but it's time for me and my family to move on. We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received from family, friends and our community. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we begin to rebuild our lives.