WEST FARGO (KFGO) - The personnel file of West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan contains employee complaints, but also show excellent, above average job performance.
More than 100 pages of information were obtained through an open records request by KFGO News.
In a grievance file, officers' describe a hostile, toxic workplace, with low morale. One said he felt unsafe and scared. Another officer described Reitan's behavior as "bullying, threatening and abusive." The behavior was compared to domestic violence. "Quite often, after Reitan yells and belittles someone, he will then reward them with a present," an officer wrote.
The complaints appear to have led to the placing of Reitan on paid administrative last week. The city has offered him a three-month severance package. Reitan has said he would like to stay.
Reitan has been with the department for more than 30 years, the last two years as police chief.