Butler police officer, first to be hired after high-profile scandal, placed on leave amid investigation

BUTLER -- A Village of Butler police officer has been placed on administrative leave, and an internal investigation is now underway. This, just two years after the Butler Police Department was investigated by an outside agency. FOX6 News has learned the man under the microscope now was the first hire after that outside investigation.

Butler Police Department

Butler PD officials won't say what has drawn their attention to the officer now under investigation -- but they say it has nothing to do with what happened two years ago.

In fact, the only thing even remotely connecting these two separate investigations is what officials learned the first time around. That's having an impact on how they're handling this latest situation.

Village of Butler Administrator Kayla Chadwick says within days of learning there was a potential issue with an officer at the Butler Police Department, an investigation was launched.

"It really did happen immediately. By supervising the officers and making sure we are routinely following up on things both in the public and internally -- we are dedicated to putting the past behind us," Chadwick said.

Village of Butler

Unfortunately, that's not as easy as it may sound.

Two years ago, the Butler Police Department was the focus of a very public scandal. Several officers were investigated for misconduct, including inappropriate behavior on the job -- such as viewing pornography.

The officer now under investigation was the first new hire after that scandal.

"It's absolutely a different situation," Chadwick said.

Chadwick says instead of focusing on the past, village officials and police intend to learn from what happened two years ago.

"How to handle these things as they come up and really not delaying potential action because of fears of how it would play out in the community or potential staffing concerns," Chadwick said.

Village of Butler

Meanwhile, Chadwick says time is passing as usual for the public -- with the same level of protection from law enforcement and village administrators who are working hand-in-hand on this.

"I can sleep at night knowing I have officers on duty and leadership in this department that without no doubt are going to have best interest of residents at mind," Chadwick said.

The Butler Village Board discussed the new investigation into the officer in a closed-door session Tuesday night, October 20th after their regular board meeting.

Again -- an internal investigation is underway into possible issues with this officer, and he is on administrative leave during this investigation.

Butler Police Department