WEST CHESTER TWP. — A prospective police officer will turn in his resignation Tuesday, Oct. 28, after an internal investigation concluded he concealed a history of drugs and crime, and that his uncle, Police Chief John Bruce, told him to do so.

West Chester Trustees gave 27-year-old Donald Gatliff until their meeting Tuesday night to resign or face probationary dismissal.

Gatliff said Monday, Oct. 27, he would hand-deliver a letter of resignation to Bruce in hopes of continuing a career in law enforcement elsewhere.

“I’m going to tender my resignation (Tuesday) afternoon so I can save some face, and maybe have a future in law enforcement,” Gatliff said.

After delving deeper into Gatliff’s background, investigators said they found the local resident had not fully disclosed his past drug use and criminal history.

Bruce said he was fully aware of Gatliff’s criminal and drug usage history, much of which occurred when he was a juvenile, though he admitted to investigators last using illegal drugs at age 21. Township rules allow Bruce to make hiring decisions “unilaterally.”

Bruce also said Gatliff scored “above average” on his written test and psychological evaluation; and that he “exceeded minimum requirements and got the highest score possible” on the department’s physical test. His results were better than the other two candidates, Bruce said.

Gatliff applied to the township police department in March. Trustees spent nearly $10,000 to put Gatliff through half of an 18-week training program with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Bruce told officials he was “protecting a police officer and his family” from embarrassment, according to the investigation.

Township officials have said Bruce violated no state or local laws in his actions during the hiring process.

“The board is disappointed and only scrutinizing the lack of disclosure in revealing information,” said Township Administrator Judi Boyko upon hearing of Gatliff’s intent to resign.

Trustees are expected to accept Gatliff’s resignation without taking formal action.

“The board is not judging or condemning this man for youthful indiscretions,” Boyko said. “The board hopes and wishes that he can fulfill all his professional endeavors in the future.”