The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department discharged Capt. Peter Ystenes March 12 following the discovery of “inappropriate” photographs on department equipment, according to a UWPD press release.
Ystenes’ use of department cameras and computers was “excessive, inappropriate, and violated several work rules and department values,” according to the release.
While the photos did not contain nudity, they were deemed improper on the grounds that Ystenes had on multiple occasions deliberately photographed colleagues and members of the public without their knowledge, according to the release.
UWPD, which has the special authority to dismiss employees without a commission, was able to terminate Ystenes’ employment immediately upon learning of the equipment misuse, according to the release.
Since the discovery of the pictures, UWPD has been contacting the victims to make them aware of the situation. Although no criminal charges have been filed against Ystenes, UW police said in the release they would work with the victims should they choose to press charges.
