HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The FBI, in cooperation with the KBI, may be investigating the Hutchinson Police Department, according to Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder.

Schroeder said he sought the investigation after hearing rumors of favoritism on the part of officers within the department. He didn’t indicate any particular incident has occurred.

He says he wanted to resolve these questions over the possible integrity of officers within the department because of possible issues in criminal cases. He cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which he called the “Giglio” decision. This requires him to turn over to the defense attorneys any information on any concern over the credibility of any testifying officers as part of the discovery process.

Schroeder says he has no idea of any criminal acts on the part of police, saying it may only be a violation of department policy, if anything. Because these rumors — which he called “vague assertions” — persist, he wants to act on the side of caution.

Schroeder also said he has no idea if, in fact, the investigation is occurring. “I assume there is, but I don’t know that. No one has gotten back to me,” Schroeder said.