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Breaking news: Kelso cop alleges captain sought inside info on his critics

Wednesday, November 26, 2008 4:11 PM PST

By Amy M.E. Fischer

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The $50,000 claim filed against the city of Kelso by a police officer alleges a superior officer who’s vying for the police chief job asked the officer to provide information about his detractors in the department.

Wednesday, an attorney appointed to defend the city by the Washington Cities Insurance Authority disclosed details from the claim filed by Officer Bebe McFall regarding Capt. Vern Thompson. The city placed Thompson on paid administrative leave Friday while his alleged conduct is investigated by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

According to attorney Mike Bolasina of the Seattle law firm Stafford Frey Cooper, the claim alleges Thompson, a 26-year veteran of the department, asked McFall to tell him who was spreading rumors about him. In exchange, Thompson allegedly told McFall that if he became chief and she made it to one of the top three candidates on the sergeant’s list, he would have no problem promoting her to sergeant, Bolasina said.

“She said it was clear that Capt. Thompson was attempting to bribe her,” the attorney said.

Thompson could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

In October, city officials told The Daily News that Thompson and Capt. Andy Hamilton were the two finalists in the search to replace Chief Wayne Nelson, who retires in March. The Council was scheduled to interview Thompson and Hamilton but the police guild voted to ask the city to wait until a new city manager was appointed before hiring a new chief..

McFall’s claim alleges that after the guild vote Thompson asked McFall to report about who in the department was bad-mouthing him, which made McFall uncomfortable. The claim said, “Bebe McFall is in the union and understood (Thompson’s) statement as a threat, and that if she didn’t support him in the union meetings, he would know about it.”

For more on this story, see Thursday’s edition of The Daily News.

Related articles:

Kelso police captain placed on administrative leave  (Nov. 24)

Outgoing manager won't pick Kelso police chief  (Oct. 21)

Kelso narrows police chief search to two  (Oct. 20)

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the Grateful Dad wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Well now, after a nationwide search for a new Police Chief in Kelso was narrowed down to two internal candidates, both of whom are Kelso Police Captains, it appears that the vetting process was as effective and prudent as possible, right? At least this debacle should make the choice much easier. Only one candidate isn't involved in a controversy in his own department, the VERY department that he could be chosen to be the new Police Chief. Congratulations to the man who will become the new Chief of Police after Wayne Nelson's retirement in March. It is only fitting that a man of integrity and caliber comparable to Wayne Nelson's would be the one chosen. With that, my congratulations, and best wishes, go out to Kelso Police Chief Andy Hamilton. You will make a wonderful Chief of Police, and will do the city of Kelso proud! Capt. Thompson will more than likely be demoted, if not terminated. That sort of behavior is NOT acceptable in ANY workplace. Absolute power, for some, corrupts absolutely. So sad. "

angiedsky wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Gosh, it's so nice that you printed the officer's name in the article. I'm so glad the public's right to know overrides the officer's right to privacy. Good job, Daily News. "

Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:32 PM:

" angiedsky: Officer Bebe McFall has filed a $50,000 claim against the city of Kelso. This is public information. "

Lucky7 wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:39 PM:

" I've seen very few workplaces where there's no back stabbing, brown-nosing, buddy-buddy back room dealing going on. Oh how times have changed! "

Gondolapete wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:40 PM:

" ya TDN, why did you name the officer involved in a lawsuit?? even thought it's public record, you still have a duty to cover it up...!!![sarcasm thick by the way] "

kelpit wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:44 PM:

" So, Amy, did you REALLY need to name the officer? I'm quite sure you have no idea how upsetting this could be to her. And now you've contributed to that. Congratulations... "

angiedsky wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:47 PM:

" I realize it's public information. My point is....what purpose does it serve? I wonder if you ever consider how your articles may affect the people involved. Whatever...you have to live with your own conscience. I know I can live with MINE. "

Blogger Jogger wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:53 PM:

" If the City of Kelso is smart, and I'm not saying they are, they will just keep right on looking. I don't think there is anyone up for the Chief's job right now that can even begin to touch the ethics and integrity that Chief Nelson brings to the job. "

Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Nov 26, 2008 3:00 PM:

" The $50,000 claim against the city is what brings the officer's name into the public forum. In filing the claim, Officer McFall had to expect her name would be made public. "

vern wrote on Nov 26, 2008 3:24 PM:

" Kelso you must be proud of your top officer...Nice going!! Maybe Longview will take him? "

Diesel wrote on Nov 26, 2008 3:37 PM:

" why didn't she just say no? Since she has the union to back her she really had nothing to fear right? "

Gondolapete wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Hey angiedsky, as a taxpayer I have a right to know what's going on..and TDN as a media outlet has a obligation to report on it..NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

mama mia wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:13 PM:

" Right! hahahaha!

The Union is not worth as much as the good ol' boy system that seems to always be right in cahoots with the union. They are one and the same! "

kelsogal wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:15 PM:

" Scott- It's McFall, not McCall, and here's the backstory- she's a class act and HER integrity is absolute. "

Gondolapete wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:43 PM:

" I also notice those of you crying because the accusing officer was named, seem to have no problem the accused was named... "

angiedsky wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:54 PM:

" Gondolapete...I left a comment earlier that wasn't posted. It probably wasn't very appropriate. I understand how concerned with your own rights that you are. I am also fully aware that TDN is a media outlet. They do not have an obligation to print anyone's name unless they choose to. I am simply stating my opinion that it wasn't necessary to do that. By the way, it's MY right to have and state my opinion whether you agree with it or not isn't relevant. This is obviously not a plesant situation for anyone, and I just wonder how you would feel if you or someone you care about was involved. Would you feel differently? Maybe not, but that's not really relevant either. So while you are worried about your rights as a taxpayer to know whatever you want to know, please do not begrudge me of my right to feel like this didn't need to be played out in the media. "

Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:56 PM:

" kelsogal: My mistake on the name. My comment has been corrected. And it's Scot with one T, btw. "

Gondolapete wrote on Nov 26, 2008 5:22 PM:

" angiedsky, it's a matter of public record..it would be irresponsible for TDN to NOT report it..there are two parties involved in case you are not aware..the accused and the accuser..you think this story would be swept under the rug had TDN chosen to not report on it???? you dont think portland media outlets wont be reporting on this as well??? "

blogger mama wrote on Nov 26, 2008 5:42 PM:

" So sad she had to be named in TDN. Hopefully, folks will be able to read between the lines of the story and see just who is the better person! My thoughts and prayers to out to ya, Beebs! "

DUH wrote on Nov 26, 2008 6:13 PM:

" There are stories everyday in TDN where both parties are not named there Gondolapete. Why does this particular one have you beating your chest? Why do you not say a single word about any of those stories? So what if it's a matter of public record. If the public wants to know who they are then the public can seek it out. Where do you figure that TDN HAS to tell you and that they'd be irresponsible if they didn't? "

angiedsky wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:00 PM:

" Gondolapete: I am very aware of the fact that there are two parties involved, and I don't believe it was necessary to make the information public. Again...that's my opinion, and I am entitled to it. As I said before, I do realize that it is public record. I sincerely wish that reporters would consider that these stories involve real people. I'm not convinced that the news media knows the whole story, or considers the people they are reporting on. Your precious rights were protected and the story was printed. My point was that I don't know if the rights of the parties involved were protected or even considered. "

3forme wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:02 PM:

" The paper is a money-making venture...no news outlet is ever strictly "just reporting the news". Therefore, it will be expected that the "news" of who does what, especially in cases like these, will offer up specifics (like names). That said, there really is never a need to name specific names. If the information is public, then WE can access it if it really is that important to us. Some people want to be spoon-fed their news and claim their right to be informed of the personal dealings of others is "their business". If you feel so entitled, YOU go get the information yourself. "

Roudyruss wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:04 PM:

" Is this McFall's first job ever? this stuff goes on everywhere. I'm not saying it is right but it is reality. And by the way the artical is not about someones name. "

Gondolapete wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:32 PM:

" angiedsky tdn DIDNT make it public!!! the cop that brought on the lawsuit made it public!!! Are you aware of what public records are??? TDN does not control that!!!! "

Gondolapete wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:34 PM:

" So 3forme, a lawsuit at tax payers expense is something that should not be reported?? So tell me then, if the media does not alert us to going on's , then who does???? "

Hershey's Squirt wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:43 PM:

" Yup, Russ, it's about a money grubbin' lady with a chip on her shoulder. Big Mr. Chief wannabee should get a clue and pay attention at work. You have to be toatally clueless to not know who your enemies are. "

golfer wrote on Nov 26, 2008 7:53 PM:

" Just remember, he is innocent until proven guilty. I am not saying he isn't guilty, but that's the law as written. They will have their investigation, but until then..... "

bluebear wrote on Nov 26, 2008 8:40 PM:

" VT stepped on his own "you know what". Some people are their own worst enemy. McFall is trusted by those she works with good reason. This is just one example. "

wazzu coug wrote on Nov 26, 2008 9:42 PM:

" TDN did not break this story.
The information was sent out by the City of Kelso to the media in a press release.
Without the press release, it's very possible no one would know of it this. "

bluebear wrote on Nov 26, 2008 10:06 PM:

" This situation is unfortunate but people in positions of leadershipeed must be held accountable when authority is abused.

Ofc McFall is a class act. Citizens of Kelso are lucky to have her. "

bones wrote on Nov 26, 2008 10:27 PM:

" McFall needs to relize that if she is going to do something like this then ofcourse it is going to get out for everyone to read and know about. That is common sense. It's not like she was totally violated or anything! People ask all the time who is talking crap about them? What's new with that? As far as him "bribing" her...whose to say it wasn't misunderstood? People backstab all the time in the work place for whatever reason suits them best. People have "power trips" and do misuse their power!Don't we all have control freaks working with us? She's not a victim of anything serious and really this isn't real big news! "

3forme wrote on Nov 26, 2008 11:16 PM:

" I don't recall saying the lawsuit wasn't your business, but the specifics really aren't. If you feel that more information makes you feel better, then I am advising you of your legal right to go to the court house and ask for the information. Personally, I don't find a lawsuit of this magnitude to be any of my business, but that's just me. The officers pay union dues which pay for their attorney. The city pays for insurance against such lawsuits and the policy of the city will cover any losses. It's not coming out of your pocket anyway. I suppose you could be nit-picky and figure out how much the city pays each year for insurance and then add that in to the total budget for the city for all services, then make a calculation about how many pennies of your tax bill goes specifically towards this policy (vs. the entire operations budget for the City of Kelso). So, I'd say that with the info you already have, you've gotten your literal "2 cents worth" of information. I have better things to worry about than whom is filing a lawsuit against whom for $50K. If you enjoy worrying about it, that's totally up to you. "

Simple Man wrote on Nov 27, 2008 3:58 AM:

" Holy smokes this sounds like the US Navy. There is only one way to the top and it doesnt involve work productivity, leadership skills or personal integrity and morals. "

LVAlumni wrote on Nov 27, 2008 5:56 AM:

" angiedsky, when an individual takes a public service position (such as police officer), everything about their job becomes subject to public scrutiny. I understand that you are operating on emotion and in the defense of a friend or family member, however, this story is intended to report the FACTS. I understand that NO media outlet ever gets ALL the facts straight, but they do try... that is their job - to report the facts. That being said, at the risk of offending you for disagreeing with your opinion, then McFall has PROVEN her integrity by blowing the whistle on Thompson's unethical behavior and not just "accepting" his alleged bribe. The allegations are that Thompson abused his position of authority, which is something the public has the right to know given the fact that WE pay his salary. My hat is off to McFall for calling him out on it just as I supported the women who called Art Demarest of KPD out on his perversion about a decade ago. Those women, too, risked scrutiny of the public eye to make the public aware of the twisted things Demarest was abusing his position to achieve, thereby making sure he was held accountable and protecting the public from him as well. If, in fact, Thompson is guilty, then McFall did us all an enormous favor by filing her claim against him. But, in doing so, she also knew this case would be an "open book." "

angiedsky wrote on Nov 27, 2008 7:00 AM:

" I agree with bluebear. This is an unfortunate situation, and I'm not interested in bantering back and forth with anyone who doesn't really understand what is going on. Officer McFall IS a class act, and not someone with a chip on her shoulder. The city of Kelso is lucky to have her, that's for certain. "

Plato wrote on Nov 27, 2008 8:39 AM:

" So McFall is a class act. Filing a $50k lawsuit because a person in authority (not necessarily her supervisor) asked who was against him in his pursuit of a higher position. I fail to see how this would make her "feel uncomfortable at home" and if she refused to answer how it would make her "uncomfortable at work".
Seems greed is even involved in the dirty politics in Kelso. Why was this story (news release) released by the interim city manager instead of the Honorable Chief? "

Thinker wrote on Nov 27, 2008 10:43 AM:

" Life in Kelso just keeps getting better! Don't you wonder how many times things like this happen, the 'BOYS CLUB" keep getting better and better. Bebe is a class act and I thought Vern was also. This just might ruin Vern's rep, lets hope not. Bebe did the right thing, but TDN could of waited until after Thanksgiving to print the article. I hope they both enjoy the day and pray that the right thing happens and Kelso comes out with a great Police Chief. We all know the Police Department has had its run of problems in the past. Where has the Chief been through all of this anyway. "

hawk12fan wrote on Nov 27, 2008 12:47 PM:

" This is my first-ever attempt at blogging as I'm not a big fan of a forum that allows uninhibited anonymous comments without accountability. In any event, I can't sit idly by and have folks question "where's the Chief?" in all of this. For those unaware, he's been tending to his very ill father, former Cowlitz County Sheriff Les Nelson, for quite some time now. Further, let's allow the Clark County Sheriff's office to complete their investigation before any guilt is assumed. "

kelpit wrote on Nov 27, 2008 9:01 PM:

" RE: Bones....you really have no clue about how Officer McFall does or does not feel. Who are you to tell her that she's "not the victim of anything serious"? Until you walk in her shoes. . . . . . "

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