Forest Park police chief placed on paid leave amid investigation into alleged unreported time off

Chief investigated over alleged discrepancies in leave and timekeeping

Forest Park Police Chief Brandon Criss has been placed on paid administrative leave as the city examines allegations that he took days off while continuing to accrue paid time off (PTO), a situation city officials are reviewing as a possible misuse of municipal timekeeping and benefits.

The city has not publicly released details about the specific dates involved, the amount of time in question, or the internal documentation being reviewed. Forest Park Mayor Gwen Ellison said the matter remains an open investigation and that she could not discuss particulars while it is ongoing.

What the allegations involve

The core allegation is that Criss took time away from work but did not report it in a way that would reduce his available PTO balance, effectively leaving his banked leave unchanged. If substantiated, such conduct could raise questions about compliance with city policies governing attendance reporting, leave approvals, and payroll administration.

Paid administrative leave is commonly used by public agencies to maintain operational continuity while limiting interference with an inquiry. It does not, by itself, determine wrongdoing or outcome. Any employment action, including reinstatement, discipline, repayment, or termination, would typically depend on what investigators conclude and what city policy allows.

City leadership: public safety operations continue

Ellison said the police department’s day-to-day operations have continued during the chief’s absence and that service levels have not been disrupted. The city has not announced a public timeline for completing the investigation or when Criss could return to duty.

Ellison said the investigation would not affect community safety and emphasized the department’s continuity while leadership issues are reviewed.

Background on Criss’ appointment

Criss was appointed Forest Park’s police chief in April 2023, after serving as an assistant deputy chief with the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. His selection was approved by the City Council, and he publicly pledged an emphasis on accountability, accessibility, and community engagement as part of his leadership agenda.

What happens next

Forest Park has not specified whether the inquiry is being handled internally, by an outside investigator, or through a city human-resources process. Key questions likely to be addressed include what leave was taken, how it was recorded, what approvals—if any—were documented, and whether city systems flagged discrepancies.

• Whether time off was authorized and properly recorded
• Whether payroll and PTO balances match attendance records
• Whether policies were violated and what remedies apply

Until the investigation concludes and the city releases findings, the allegations remain unproven. No criminal charges have been publicly announced, and the city has not identified any final personnel decision.