What rises to the top?

What kind of police officers get considered for command positions? Well, in Buckeye, Arizona, it's the sort of officers who face charges of misconduct. Which is to say, meet Lieutenant Derek Arnson.

Lt. Derek Arnson was notified June 5 of a formal investigation into complaints of intimidation and inappropriate comments, according to documents obtained by The Arizona Republic.

The notice of investigation indicates the probe is exploring "multiple complaints of ongoing intimidation of employees coupled with threats of job loss; intimidation regarding hiring practices; inappropriate comments regarding an employee's sexual orientation, and inappropriate comments regarding employee employment status." ...

Former mayoral candidate Michael Todd said Buckeye Vice Mayor Elaine May and Councilman David Hardesty advocated for Arnson to be picked as chief during talks around the time of the town's March 11 council primary.

May ran as an unopposed incumbent. Hardesty was not up for re-election.

"Arnson had two council members lobbying for him, telling me, 'We want this guy,' " Todd said, referring to May and Hardesty.

Arnson's promotion to commander "was a push by two council members to make Arnson chief," Todd added.

No, Arnson has not become the city's top cop, and the investigation against him is still underway.

But there's plenty in that situation to worry about ...