Prineville without police chief, captain, for nearly three months

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 18, 2023

The city of Prineville has been without two of its top police officers for nearly three months.

City officials won’t say why.

Chief Larry Seymour and Capt. Rob Gray remain on paid nondisciplinary administrative leave amid an investigation into what the city has called “an internal non-criminal personnel matter.” They were put on leave on July 21.

“Since this is an ongoing investigation, the city cannot comment on the matter,” said ShanRae Hawkins of StingRay Communications, a public relations firm working with the city.

In the past week, The Bulletin made calls seeking additional information from Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe and City Manager Steve Forrester and sent an email with a list of questions.

Beebe didn’t respond. Forrester initially had Hawkins respond for him, and then later issued a statement.

“The City of Prineville acknowledges and appreciates the time and legal limitations in providing our citizens with specific information that investigations such as this require,” he said.

Forrester said it’s the city’s goal to ensure public safety and police operations are unimpeded as the investigation continues. He said the city also intends to protect the rights of “city team members” while providing citizens “as much information as legally allowed.”

Forrester said the city police department is covering all shifts and added that “staffing levels are at the highest levels since pre-COVID.”

“Staffing our patrol force in these times is a remarkable feat for the Prineville Police Department,” he said.

Seymour and Gray couldn’t be reached for comment by phone or email.

Hawkins said Seymour’s salary is “between $103,368-$144,720,” and Gray’s is “between $91,800-$123,936.”

Asked when the city plans to update the public on the investigation, Hawkins said: “In light of the ongoing investigation, the City is unable to provide any additional updates at this time. We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue our efforts to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation.”

Prineville Police Lt. Shane Wilson remains in charge of the department.