Kauai Assistant Police Chiefs Roy Asher and Alejandre Quibilan returned to work Tuesday, more than six weeks after they were placed on paid administrative leave in connection with an employee’s complaint about a hostile working environment at the department.

The action came a day after Police Chief Darryl Perry regained access to his office and badge after he was also placed on leave last month in connection with the same complaint.

Perry, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and the Police Commission decided that Asher and Quibilan could return to work.

"It was necessary for the operations and to complete our mission to keep the community safe," Perry said.

The investigation of the complaint is continuing.

Asher and Quibilan were placed on leave on Jan. 30. According to Perry, he was suspended by Carvalho from Feb. 1 through 7 for insubordination and dereliction of duty. He was then placed on leave on Feb. 8 in connection with the complaint.

The action taken against Perry led to a controversy about whether the mayor has the authority to place the chief on leave.