Des Plaines investigates harassment complaint against police officer

Des Plaines has hired an outside firm to investigate a workers' compensation claim filed by a female community service officer saying she was sexually harassed by a police officer who has since retired, City Manager Mike Bartholomew confirmed.

The complaint was filed with the Illinois Department of Labor and the city's human resources department roughly two weeks ago, Bartholomew said.

City officials decided to bring in an outside firm to ensure the investigation is “completely fair and impartial” in the wake of several recent scandals within the police department, he said.

“I would suspect we will have it wrapped in very short order, maybe 30 days,” Bartholomew said.

Police Chief William Kushner declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.