Junction City manager says 'workplace concerns' led to police chief's departure

“Workplace concerns” led to the recent departure of Junction City police chief John Lamb, according to a statement from the city government this week.

Junction City manager Allen Dinkel, in a press release Monday, said the city in February learned of the concerns and hired a third party to conduct an internal review “to determine whether city policy had been violated.” Dinkel announced last week that Lamb was no longer the police chief, though he didn’t say whether Lamb was fired or resigned.

Dinkel said the city government put “individuals” on paid administrative leave during that process as a precautionary measure “to reduce the possibility of incidental contact between the parties and alleviate any concerns about intimidation and/or retaliation.”

Lamb did not say who was placed on leave. He said the city must maintain confidentiality for personnel matters.

“Although we understand the desire to for details pertaining to the concerns, the information gathered and the third-party’s determinations, maintaining confidentiality is necessary to ensure employees will report any concerning conduct in the future,” he wrote.

Captain of investigations Cory Odell and Captain of operations Kirt Nichols are covering police chief duties until officials can name an interim or replacement, Dinkel said.

Lamb started as Junction City’s police chief in January 2020. He previously served 26 years in the Jacksonville, Fla., Sheriff’s Office.

He succeeded Junction City Police Chief Dan Breci, who retired.