Details vague as SLED investigates York Police Department

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the York Police Department, officials said on Monday.

The investigation started after a request to look into activities at the police department last week, said SLED spokesman Thom Berry. He would not comment on who submitted the request or what the allegations involve.

York Mayor Eddie Lee said he had been told that the investigation involves York Police Chief Andy Robinson, who could not be reached Monday for comment.

Berry would not say if that is true.

Lee said he received word of the investigation from Charles Helms, the city manager. He said Helms told him SLED was investigating an incident involving Robinson, York’s police chief since 2011. Lee did not comment on the events leading to the investigation.

Helms on Monday declined to comment about the investigation and whether it involved Robinson. He also would not comment on Robinson’s employment status.

York City Councilman John Shiflet said he is aware of the investigation.

“I know there were some arrests they were looking into,” he said, adding that his understanding is that the incidents prompting the investigation were “very routine.” From what he’s been told, investigators want to make sure everything was on “the up and up” and “above board,” he said.

He said he was not aware of any police chief involvement. Shiflet said he did not have details on the situation, and did not request any.

“They didn’t have any information to share,” he said.

Councilmen Ed Brown and Charles Johnson did not comment on the SLED investigation but told The Herald on Monday that they expected to have more information later this week.

This story was originally published April 21, 2014 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Details vague as SLED investigates York Police Department."