BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield Police Assistant Chief Joe Mullins has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of "workplace violence," BPD confirmed to 23ABC.
According to an email sent out to the department, an initial complaint was made on June 23 by a third-party communication. BPD said an immediate administrative investigation was ordered.
On Tuesday a "formal request for a criminal and administrative investigation was received." The incident alleged, "workplace violence, with little accompanying identifying details."
BPD said an independent entity from outside of Kern County is handling the investigation.
"All complaints involving our workplace are taken seriously and will be objectively and thoroughly investigated," BPD Chief Greg Terry said in the letter. "Furthermore, we abide by our policies that there will be no retaliation for reporting an allegation or participating in an investigative process."
Mullins is the second assistant police chief to put on administrative leave in less than a year. In September 2019, Assistant Chief Evan Demestihas was placed administrative leave after an alleged domestic violence incident at the VIP Lounge. The BPD submitted Demestihas' case to Kings County DA which recommended one count of domestic abuse.
