Police officer fired

The city has fired an Anacortes police officer for misuse of a Police Department computer. Police Chief Bonnie Bowers said the officer violated department policy, but didn’t do anything illegal. 

Officer Bradford Stavig was terminated about a month ago following an internal investigation related to use of department-issued equipment for personal use.

Bowers said the policy is clear: Personal computer use is authorized only during break times or lunch. “We are not authorized to use our city computer unless we are on a work day.” An employee cannot do personal business on a department computer on a day off.

Bowers said “These violations were serious enough that termination was appropriate.”

The Police Guild has filed a grievance on behalf of Stavig.

Bowers said the police department has launched a search to replace Stavig and another officer who is set to retire at the end of this month. Meanwhile, interviews are coming up to replace the Captain’s position held by Bowers prior to her appointment as police chief.