The Rutland Police Commission will convene a special meeting Thursday to hear and answer public concerns in the wake of revelations last week that a city police sergeant is being investigated for possessing child pornography.

Through court records and payroll reports, the Rutland Herald learned last week that Sgt. David Schauwecker has been the subject of a Vermont State Police investigation since August.

But the existence of the investigation was unknown to the public or city officials outside of the police department until last week when a Rutland District Court judge released the contents of a sealed search warrant executed at the department in September.

The Police Commission, made up of five residents charged with overseeing the police department, usually meets once a month. The regular meeting this month took place Feb. 8.

But Commission Chairman Robert Ebbinghausen said Tuesday he has scheduled a special meeting for the group at 6 p.m. Thursday inside City Hall.

In the wake of last week's disclosures, Ebbinghausen said he wants to give residents all the answers he can while listening to their concerns.

"It's just an opportunity for the public to attend, air opinions and hear questions," he said. "There's a lot we won't be able to talk about while the investigation is ongoing but I hope after it's done we'll have more answers."

Ebbinghausen said there was no agenda for the meeting, which will involve the commission, the city attorney and the public but no members of the police department's administration will be on hand.

brent.curtis@rutlandherald.com