A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Public Safety has refused to explain why a supervisor with the Division of Criminal Investigation has been on paid leave since May 1. Lieutenant Rob Hansen has explained Larry Hedlund’s leave as a “confidential personnel matter.”
Hedlund’s attorney, Tom Duff, is now shedding some light on the matter by saying Hedlund had some problems with his bosses. “He did make some complaints about his superiors and we think that is why the investigation is taking place,” Duff told Radio Iowa. Hedlund is a 25-year veteran of the Iowa DCI.
Duff says the Department of Public Safety cited several reasons for placing Hedlund on leave. “One of them was allegedly being insubordinate and then there were some other, what I would characterize as fairly minor administrative violations, which we don’t concede that he violated,” Duff says.
“That’s essentially what they’re investigating, at least that’s my understanding.” Duff believes Hedlund will ultimately be vindicated and allowed to return to his job.
“I don’t think that he’s done anything that justifies the suspension,” Duff said. “Even though it’s with pay, he’s off work and I think the investigation will show that he didn’t do anything that justifies him being off work.”
Since 2010, Hedlund’s served as the top supervisor in one of the DCI’s four geographic zones. Based in Fort Dodge, the 55-year-old Hedlund has overseen DCI activities in an area covering north central and northeastern Iowa.