Arbogast v. Town of Westport

Celia Arbogast appeals from a judgment denying an application for a writ of mandamus. The issues on appeal are (1) whether a 1-year probationary period for civil service employees in the Westport police department substantially accomplishes the purpose of RCW 41.12, and (2) whether Westport is equitably estopped from applying the 1-year probationary period to Mrs. Arbogast.

The facts are not disputed. On June 28, 1973, Mrs. Arbogast was appointed as a dispatcher in the Westport police department. She was subject to a 1-year probationary period stated in the town's ordinance No. 364. On March…