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Arizona Department of Public Safety Sgt. David Blue speaks to residents of the Town of Kearny about transparency at the Police Department. Mila Besich-Lira | Copper Basin News
Following weeks of trouble for the Kearny Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety Sgt. David Blue, who is the interim police chief during the ongoing investigation of Chief Corso, hosted a meeting on transparency and the current status of the Kearny Police Department.
Sgt. Blue stressed that it is his job to make sure that the department is running safely and efficiently while he is appointed to the position. He explained that DPS is not taking over the Kearny Police Department and once the investigations are complete the Town Council will need to make a decision on how to proceed with the roles of the chief. He also explained that some information cannot be made public because it involves personnel and their rights to privacy.
As for the ongoing investigation of Corso, Blue explained that it is a separate department within DPS that is conducting that investigation. He is not part of the investigation and he is not in any way leading the investigation. He did explain that DPS is still gathering information on the investigation and those with information should contact the investigator Captain Johnson at 602-223-2112.
“Mission first, people always,” Blue explained as his mission for the department. He aimed to bring information to rumors that have been shared around the community. He explained that DPS returned him to Kearny because he was already familiar with the community from his last time there; he was not requested by the Mayor or Town manager, he said. He explained that towns and cities can work with DPS to provide interim chiefs for period of time and that the assigned interim chief can also call on DPS to provide additional resources during the transition. Those extra services do not stay with the community once the DPS officer is reassigned back to his normal position within DPS.
Another rumor that was brought up was one about weapons from the department were missing. He explained until a weapon is inventoried and visually seen it is considered missing. He confirmed that all weapons are accounted for and none are missing.
Sgt. Blue explained that the Volunteers in Police Service program has not been cancelled; it is not a program that DPS offers but that does not mean it is not going to be offered in Kearny. The VIP vehicle was in need of repairs and is now back on line and additional equipment needed for VIP’s to safely operate has been ordered. He explained that they are scheduling a meeting with VIPs and they will be contacted to attend the meeting.
During a question and answer period, a citizen asked if the KPD has policies and procedures. Sgt. Blue explained that the department follows the employment policies that all Kearny employees follow as far as absences, vacations and standard rules and procedures. He also explained that KPD subscribes to a system called Lexipol that develops procedures and policies for the police departments. The department purchased this system but it has only been used once. These procedures are only enacted after they go through reviews and approval by the Town Attorney, Manager and final approval given by the Town Council.
Police coverage was also discussed, Sgt. Blue explained currently there are two on administrative leave (Chief Corso and Officer Mata) along with three full time employees and two reserve officers.
Sgt. Blue stressed the importance of everyone shopping local to help increase tax revenue to the the town which in turn helps the town to fund emergency services like police, fire and ambulance more adequately.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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