Waterford police officers are on leave and an investigation is underway

She said the Racine County Sheriff’s Office stepped in to assist police with their daily work during the investigation.

Nicolai did not want to disclose the nature of the investigation or name the employees involved.

In a public announcement released Monday evening, Nicolai said police protection would continue without interruption and public safety would not be jeopardized.

“We thank the Sheriff’s Department for their support and we thank you for your understanding as this is a difficult time for all of us,” she said.

In recent years, the police have included nine full-time patrol officers as well as six part-time officers and four reservists. The police chief retired in January and the position remains vacant.

Police Department officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

With a budget of approximately $1.2 million per year, the department serves both the city and the neighboring village of Waterford.

Village Administrator Zeke Jackson said city leaders informed him of the investigation into police personnel on Monday.

Jackson said village officials are prepared to work with the sheriff’s department “during this transition period.”

“We have great confidence in the city’s continued commitment to public safety in both of our communities,” he said.

Both the Waterford Town Board and the Waterford Village Board scheduled special meetings for Tuesday evening to discuss unspecified personnel issues in camera.

The city council held a special meeting on May 2nd with another closed session on personnel issues. City officials subsequently said the board had authorized Nicolai to implement personnel decisions discussed behind closed doors.

The town police force was expanded to take over law enforcement in the village in 2016 after village officials terminated a contract with the sheriff’s department.

A year later, Matt Johnson was named police chief and served in that position until his retirement in January.

Nicolai said Tuesday that the city government was conducting a search for a new chief, but the search was being halted during the investigation.

“We are suspending the search until further notice to get our house in order,” she said.