Eckhardt back to work on Monday

Maricopa Police Lt. Larry Eckhardt will return to work and be assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division effective Monday. While Lt. Eckhardt is returning to work from administrative leave, and the investigation process has not been completed.

Eckhardt, who earns $87,150 yearly, was placed on paid administrative leave July 22.

“Our residents tax dollars are best spent by bringing Lt. Eckhardt back to the department instead of being at home on administrative leave,” Police Chief Steve Stahl said. “He will complete the remainder of his administrative process while on active duty, serving the citizens of Maricopa.”

The police department is reviewing its administrative leave policies as part of an ongoing As good fiscal stewards, the city feels it’s in the taxpayers’ best interest to use employee administrative leave only when absolutely necessary to protect people and/or property, according to a released statement.