Ogden chief remains tight-lipped over officer's administrative leave

Ogden Police Chief Jon Greiner said Monday he is ready to put everything out in the open — and just wishes he could.

For more than a week, Greiner has heard questions from every corner about why Ogden officer Matt Jones was placed on administrative leave.

"It wouldn't be a problem for me," Greiner said of discussing the matter. "I am really surprised at this thing and where it has gone."

If Jones wants to know the details — and consequently reveal them to the public — all he has to do is sign a waiver to release the information, Greiner said.

Jones told the Deseret Morning News on Monday he was not aware he could do that. He did say, however, he would have to talk to his lawyers.

The incident in question occurred July 27 and involved Jones' wife, who was seen by Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey driving a moving van displaying signs critical of Godfrey. Jones was put on administrative leave that night, but Greiner has insisted that action stemmed from a separate issue.

Ogden City Council members have received a barrage of e-mails from the public about the incident. Tonight's City Council agenda includes an executive session "for the purpose of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual."

Ogden Council Chairman Jesse Garcia would not comment on the nature of the closed meeting, but did not deny it may concern Jones.

Rep. Neil Hansen, D-Ogden, and others have called for an outside investigation. Garcia said the council may hire an outside attorney to investigate whether Jones' First Amendment rights were violated.

Garcia, however, said he is confident Greiner properly handled the case.

"I have known the chief for 15 years and I would never judge his integrity," Garcia said. "If he says it's not the van issue, then it's not."

Brian Barnard, a Salt Lake City civil rights attorney, Ogden Councilwoman Dorren Jeske and Hansen all say the coincidence is just too much.

"If they really didn't care, then why did they go through all that effort?" Hansen asked.

Barnard said he questions the legality of Godfrey apparently calling Greiner with a license plate number and asking him to look up the owner of a vehicle.