DA backs Salem’s effort to keep police misconduct files secret

The city of Salem paid a departing police official an extra $53,500 while he faced a city misconduct investigation that was never finished.

But city officials are keeping records confidential about the matter, and the Marion County District Attorney’s Office Monday sided with city officials, concluding there was insufficient public interest to require disclosure.

Deputy District Attorney Amy Queen notified Salem Reporter that she would allow the city to keep secret records sought by the news…