High-level personnel changes are under way at the Kauai Police Department but no one is saying why beyond a vague mention of an “employee complaint.”

The county announced late today that Police Chief Darryl Perry is on leave as of this morning and Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades will serve as acting police chief until further notice.

The statement said Assistant Chief Mark Begley has been appointed by Contrades as acting deputy chief.  

“This leadership structure will be in place until the investigation of an employee complaint has been concluded.” the statement said. “No further information will be released, as it is a personnel matter.”

Earlier, the department said two assistant police chiefs were placed on leave.

Perry placed Assistant Chief Roy Asher and Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan on leave effective Tuesday.

Capt. Sherwin Perez is serving as acting assistant chief of the Investigative Services Bureau, in place of Asher. Asher has been head of the Investigative Services Bureau since January 2007. He has also worked as special services director at the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Lt. Jon Takamura is serving as acting assistant chief of the Patrol Services Bureau, in place of Quibilan. Quibilan has been with the police department for 29 years. He also served four years in the Air Force and more than 25 years with the Hawaii Air National Guard.

“I want to assure the community that we will continue to provide the highest level of service and protection for the people of Kauai,” said Contrades late today.