Pubdate: Thu, 30 Mar 2006
Source: Register-Guard, The (OR)
Copyright: 2006 The Register-Guard
Contact:  http://www.registerguard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/362
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)

CHIEF ACCUSED OF ALTERING REPORT ON SON

A Southern Oregon police chief stands accused of altering a police
report on an investigation involving his son - who worked for his
father's department.

Phoenix Police Chief Bob Kershaw was arrested and jailed Tuesday,
Mayor Vicki Bear said. She said he has been suspended from duty.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said the investigation began with
a party at the chief's home on Jan. 27.

He said Andrew Kershaw, the chief's son and a Phoenix police community
service officer, was at the party with minors and a Phoenix police
reserve officer. Marijuana and alcohol were at the party, Winters said.

A Phoenix officer went to the home to help police from nearby Talent
search for a missing juvenile believed to be at the party, Winters
said.

Winters said the police chief initially tried to lead the
investigation, but reluctantly turned the case over to the sheriff's
department on Feb. 8.

But, Winters said, his deputies found that the reports they got were
not the ones made by the initial investigating officers and that
portions implicating his son and a witness statement were deleted.