Chief Press: New Personnel Policy Causing Police Problems

POLICE DEPARTMENT TENSIONS CITED                              

In response to Mayor Kant's recent dramatic complaint of potentially dangerous tensions (hostile work environment) within the police department, Chief Press replied recently, "the only ones who might feel such are those who don't want to be held accountable for their actions ..."

NEW PERSONNEL POLICY BLAMED

Chief Press pointed the finger  at a new personnel policy implemented by the Mayor last month (the Mayor must pre-approve all disciplinary measures) as the source of the current problems: "Upon my arrival (here) . . .  based on seriousness of an incident . . . we initiated training . . .  or issued discipline when necessary . . . and (then) there was a two part appeal process (available to officer)  . . .  . That is no longer the case . . .  which sends a very bad message to the department . . . says to some . . .  I can get away with anything."

MAYOR CALLED FIREHOUSE MEETING

Mayor Kant told the Times recently he called last weeks's firehouse meeting (with six officers)  to allow them to  "vent" their frustrations over what he called "personality differences" -- with  Chief Press and other management.

Press responded later that the Mayor had not yet officially mentioned to him anything about the alleged tensions within the department -- or what was discussed at the firehouse last week

Press (on Aug 1st): "I still have not heard anything official from the Mayor in regard to any hint of high tensions in the department."

COUNCIL PRESIDENT DECLINES COMMENT

Asked earlier this week by the Times what action the City Council could take to remedy the situation, Council President Mixon declined comment, "at this time."

Last month, when the Mayor announced he had unilaterally changed the disciplinary policy,  Councilman Kingrea questioned whether he had the authority to do so without a Council vote.

Kingrea: ". . .  I believe what he is doing is not a procedural change but making a policy change that is the council’s to make . . . "

PRESS'S FULL  STATEMENT

"Most of our employees constantly do the right thing, including risking their lives for others, and I am truly privileged  to work with them.  As far as a hostile work environment is concerned, the only ones who might feel such are those who do not want to be held accountable for their actions or inactions.  Upon my arrival here, based on the seriousness of an incident, we initiated training or issued discipline when  necessary (verbal and written warnings, suspension or recommendation for termination) to an individual who was not performing correctly, and, in the case of the latter,  there was a two part appeal process though a separate hearing examiner and the City’s personnel board.  Now that is no longer the case, which sends a very bad message to the entire department.  In part, it says to some in our employ, “I can get away with anything.”   The end result is that this is a disservice to  Department, City, and citizens as well.

Finally, I was brought here to lead this department into one considered “professional.”  As such, I enforce the tenets that I brought here; Service, Respect, Integrity, and Fairness, which applies to everyone, including me.   As a result, we have accomplished so much thorough the Council’s efforts and backing, as well as many of our police officers and support personnel.  But we still have a long way to go before we can claim total success.  Therefore, I will continue to do my best, regardless of any roadblock placed before me.  And, I will do everything in my power to protect the members of this department and the citizens I have sworn to serve."