Two police officers have been fired

Two members of the Battle Creek police department have been fired after an investigation into a relationship between them and allegations of a hostile work environment. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports the firings of Deputy Police Chief Jim Saylor and Inspector Maria Alonso were announced Tuesday. They earlier were placed on paid administrative. In a statement, the city said more than 35 people were interviewed by the Human Resources Department and the city attorney. Lawyer Michael Pitt, who represents Saylor and Alonso, says the firings are a violation of their constitutional rights. He says they “were entitled to a fair and impartial investigation before being publicly accused” and don’t know the identity of those accusing them of misconduct. They’ve sued in federal court, saying the city destroyed their reputations.  (AP)