Document: Des Plaines police party investigation includes sex assault allegation
An ongoing investigation into potential misconduct by off-duty Des Plaines police officers includes allegations of sexual assault and unwanted physical contact with female officers, according to a city document released Wednesday.
Hoffman Estates police are conducting a criminal investigation into a June golf outing and house party in the village attended by dozens of Des Plaines officers. The city's police department plans to conduct an internal investigation into the allegations once the criminal probe is complete. Both agencies have declined to discuss details of the matter until the investigations are complete.
But a resolution sponsored by Aldermen Malcolm Chester, Dick Sayad and Mark Lysakowski indicates the investigation stems from potentially inappropriate sexual behavior at the June 19 party.
"The city takes these allegations seriously and desires to undertake an investigation into the golf outing, including specifically investigating allegations of sexual assault, unwanted physical contact and any other inappropriate sexual behavior directed at female members of the police department," the resolution says.
Under the resolution that aldermen will consider during a city council meeting Monday, the city would pay an investigative firm up to $50,000 to conduct an independent inquiry. The resolution also proposes that the firm examine any history of sexual harassment within city government and officials' response to complaints.
Chester has said an outside investigative firm is necessary to preserve the city's credibility.
Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner has said the department will continue its own internal investigation whether or not criminal charges are filed.
The city council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, at 1420 Miner St.