Spokane police chief places leader of downtown precinct on leave

The leader of policing in downtown Spokane was placed on leave Monday pending an internal investigation.

Capt. Brad Arleth, who runs the Spokane Police Department’s downtown precinct, will be paid while on leave, said city spokesman Brian Coddington.

Arleth confirmed that the letter placing him on leave was signed by interim police Chief Rick Dobrow but said he is not allowed to discuss any details of the investigation while it is ongoing.

Dobrow did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday evening.

Arleth, who was hired by the department in 1992, earned about $161,000 in 2014.

Spokane City Councilman Jon Snyder, who led the council’s Public Safety Committee last year, said he learned of the management move from media reports and did not know what led to the action.

“All I can say is I’ve had good experiences with Captain Arleth,” Snyder said.