By RYAN CHRISTNER

rchristner@dailynews.net

ELLIS -- The Ellis Police Department is internally handling formal complaints against an officer that were expressed to members of the Ellis City Commission on Monday.

A crowd of approximately 57 residents came to the meeting in support of a 350-signature petition to have officer Christopher Decou dismissed from the department due to what they saw as harassing behavior toward some residents, Mayor David McDaniel said Tuesday.

According to McDaniel, the petitioners cited "traffic issues," as well as "disputes with kids" during Ellis High School homecoming activities and displeasure with the officer coming to meetings of a youth group at the United Methodist Church as issues that warranted disciplinary action.

"Parents were concerned their children were being harassed," McDaniel said.

Several residents in support of Decou also attended the meeting.

Prior to Monday's meeting, Police Chief Randy Taylor said he was aware of some degree of unhappiness among Ellis residents, but had not spoken to anyone about specific complaints or concerns.

Responding to the petition, Taylor said he did not believe Decou has acted in any way that would be considered at odds with police behavior.

"I found no fault in anything he has done," Taylor said. "I don't view this as an issue of unethical or unmoral behavior. It's more of a perception of how the community wants him to do his job."

To his knowledge, Taylor said Decou has not violated any department policy, procedure or law during the fulfillment of his duties, elaborating that Decou's personnel file is "exceptional."

The Ellis Police Department has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior, Taylor added, and never has tried to hide officer misconduct.

"My agency is as transparent as I can possibly make it," he said.

Council members entered into executive session to discuss the matter, and McDaniel said the issue "is being addressed." Taylor confirmed he was given directions by the council for how to proceed, but could not comment further on what action might be taken against the officer.

"I'm sure (the issue) will come up at the next council meeting," McDaniel said.