The investigation into the circumstances at the Minot Police Department reached it’s conclusion last night as City Manager Harold Stewart delivered his recommendations on the matter to City Council. Police Chief Klug will not be continuing with the Minot Police Department.
Prior to offering his recommendations, Mr. Stewart read the following statement:
“Our residents must be able to have faith that our Police Department and its leaders are held to the highest standards of conduct and that they reflect the values of Professionalism, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence that we are committed to as an organization. I believe these recommendations provide the best and most responsible path forward for the Minot Police Department as a whole, and for our entire community.”
The City Manager’s Recommended actions included the following:
- Police Chief Transition
City Management and John Klug have mutually agreed that Klug will not return to the position of Police Chief for the Minot Police Department. Details of the transition are still being finalized and will require approval from the City Council. - Interim Police Chief Appointment
The City of Minot will pursue hiring an external interim police chief who will serve for a period of 6 to 12 months. When ready, a nationwide search will be conducted for the permanent appointment of a new Police Chief. - Central Dispatch Oversight
The oversight responsibilities of Central Dispatch will be temporarily delegated to a management team led by Fire Chief Kelli Kronschnabel, Assistant City Manager Tom Joyce, and a representative(s) from the Minot Police Department. This team will review the findings and recommendations of the independent investigation as it pertains to Dispatch and provide recommendations to the City Manager on any necessary changes or restructuring. This arrangement will allow the City Manager and Police Department to focus on their priorities while also providing support to Central Dispatch.
The Council supported the recommendations unanimously. Chief Klug has been on administrative suspension since September when an external investigation into the circumstances inside the department was launched. The investigation did not substantiate allegations of hostile work environment, but did uncover enough circumstances to warrant this transition.
John Klug served the Minot Police Department for nearly 30 years, including as Police Chief since February 1, 2020.
