Three Washington State University’s (WSU) police commanders are retiring amid sexual misconduct investigation of a fellow officer. Following the allegations, heads rolled at the top of the police department. WSU Police Department has named new police command staff for the Pullman campus.
The replacements were made. Retired Pullman Police Department (PPD) chief Gary Jenkins will serve as interim chief of the WSU Police Department. WSU Police Sgt. Dawn Daniels, who served temporarily as acting chief, will be promoted to assistant chief. Victoria Murray, executive director for finance and administration, is serving as acting associate vice president for public safety.
Police Chief Bill Gardner, Assistant Chief Steve Hansen and Capt. Mike Larsen are retiring after being served notice in late July of pending disciplinary action. The three members of the Police Department are leaving their jobs for failing to advise university leadership of an officer alleged to have engaged in sexual activities while on duty in 2020.
WSU Police Sgt. Matt Kuhrt is facing disciplinary proceedings after allegedly engaging in inappropriate activity while on duty and on Pullman campus property. The university has not yet made any determinations of responsibility in the officer’s case.
The university is reporting this matter to the state agency that certifies law enforcement officers in Washington, according to a press release. The findings of the joint investigations will remain in their WSU records and be available to future employers should they seek employment elsewhere.
Kuhrt has been on home assignment since March 2022 w
