(First InMaricopa) A Maricopa 911 dispatcher accused of working while intoxicated in January was never tested for alcohol and faced no discipline, despite city policy requiring testing when there is reasonable suspicion, according to records obtained by InMaricopa. 

Dispatcher Jennifer Klassen’s Jan. 23 shift started at midnight, but she arrived several minutes early. Shortly after that arrival, another dispatcher accused her of smelling like alcohol and behaving erratically at the dispatch console. That dispatcher told investigators the odor of alcohol “permeated the room.” 

Despite the allegation, the case was dismissed without enough evidence. Klassen still works at the 911 center. 

Former dispatchers and officers say the city’s handling of the case underscores what they describe as a larger pattern of ignored policies and retaliation against employees who raise concerns. They argue that the failure to test or discipline Klassen put both officers and the public at risk. 

“These are the people sending officers to hot calls where they’re potentially breaking down a door at the wrong house,” former dispatcher Linda Kay told InMaricopa. 

Kay said she left the department in late 2024 after flagging misconduct and facing retaliation of her own. “Nobody’s really paying attention,” she said of the dispatch center in an interview.

Another former dispatcher, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation, was incensed that the supervisor on duty let Klassen’s “husband come pick her up instead of following the city policy to have her tested.”

Maricopa police denies allegations of retaliation.

“All allegations of retaliation or harassment made by former employees were formally investigated pursuant to city policy and determined to be unfounded,” said Maricopa Police Chief Mark Goodman in a statement to InMaricopa. “The department remains committed to transparency, accountability and the safety of our community and personnel.”

Officer Sonja Hoffman was the first to raise concerns after finishing her shift that night. According to internal reports and body camera footage, Hoffman noticed a “fruity” alcohol odor on Klassen’s breath and said Klassen was talking loudly and laughing “out of character” while sitting at the dispatch desk, taking 911 calls.

Hoffman texted off‑duty coworkers for advice, then notified patrol Sgt. Colt Homan, who arrived at the dispatch center around 12:30 a.m. Homan documented that Klassen’s eyes were “red and watery” with “a little bit of a gloss” and noted her car was parked across two spaces. However, he reported he “did not smell anything out of the ordinary” and observed no slurred speech or stumbling. 

Supervisor Angie Crook later confronted Klassen, who denied drinking alcohol and said she had consumed only a Red Bull. Crook wrote in her report that Klassen “did not appear to be acting in a manner that might lead me to believe she was impaired.” 

A portable breathalyzer arrived at the dispatch center just after 2 a.m., but Klassen refused to take it, saying, “I’m not going to do this. This is ridiculous.” She was not allowed to drive home and called her husband to pick her up. 

No disciplinary action followed the refusal.

The City of Maricopa’s Drug and Alcohol Policy prohibits employees from reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The policy requires testing when there is reasonable suspicion and states refusal to test “may be grounds for disciplinary action or termination.” 

An internal investigation concluded the allegation was “not sustained” and found “no additional evidence to indicate Klassen in fact had” consumed alcohol. The report was signed by then‑Cpt. Stephen Judd.

“The concerns raised on Jan. 23, 2025, were responded to in full accordance with the City’s Drug and Alcohol Policy,” said Goodman. “While one employee reported a possible odor of alcohol, four others present — including supervisors — did not observe objective signs of impairment that would lead them to believe that Ms. Klassen was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage while on duty.  The investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence to sustain the allegation.”

Body camera footage shows supervisor Crook agreeing to a breathalyzer for the dispatcher, not allowing Klassen to continue her shift, or drive home.

City officials said in a statement to InMaricopa that there was “no criminal conduct that would justify filing charges” and confirmed the “not sustained” finding. The officials added the incident “did not lead to revisions” of the drug and alcohol policy and “there was no disruption to [emergency] service.” 

While Hoffman reported a strong odor of alcohol, two other dispatchers on shift, Jasmine Tiger and Supervisor Chelsea Jones, told investigators they did not smell alcohol or observe unusual behavior from Klassen during their time with her before Crook arrived, according to the report prepared by the city.  

Klassen voluntarily moved from full‑time to an as‑needed role at the dispatch center in May, according to city officials. 

Since this incident, policy has been updated to bolster the drug and alcohol policies for city employees.

“Although it would not have altered the investigative findings in this case, City policy has since been clarified to require employees suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to submit to a test or face disciplinary action,” said Goodman.

InMaricopa reached out to Klassen for comment, but she did not return our calls. The following police body-camera footage of the January incident was obtained by InMaricopa in a Freedom of Information Act request.