The special investigator appointed by the city council to investigate the matter said he found no dangerous situation exists in the police department, as was suggested to the Mayor last summer.
Howard: "I asked each officer ... their comments were ... if that came up ... its just as a whim ... no situation of causing bodily harm exists ... except in the line of duty."
When Councilman Stankoski asked if there were concerns about the Chief's personality or management style, Howard said some officers complained of a "provocative environment" dealing with the chief, never anything physical though.
Howard: "... its a feeling of intimidation ... on some officer's part ... at least some people perceive it that way."
Councilmember Quinn asked if poor communications is the main issue; and if training and development would help, or is the mindset set -- won't change.
Howard replied in Chief Press' case, he's a very intelligent, competent person who could have authored psychology books.
Howard had earlier said he found 20% of officers have their minds made up -- don't like the Chief; but on the other extreme, another 20% who do like the Chief; but the majority were more ambivalent (middle of the road); just wanted to get on with their jobs.
Howard said he did find a "historic, good old boy segment" in the department, but also noted the recent addition of several new officers.
Council President Mixon said he thought the next step would be to meet with those involved.
Councilman Kingrea issued a statement later:
"As I understood the presentation, there is not a hostile (dangerous) work environment, although there is some concern about intimidation, or perhaps better said, perceived intimidation;
There is a need for improved communications (less threatening) which should be able to be accomplished by additional training and development; and it is no surprise 20% of the department does not care for the Chief; it is fairly common in every organization to have 20-60-20 (like-indifferent-dislike) breakdown of regard for the leader. interestingly, 20% of the FPD is between 5-7 people, a number similar to those facing disciplinary action. Significantly, Mr. Howard found most of the officers to be "good people." The City must take these findings and work to make FPD as good and professional as Fairhope deserves."
Neither the Mayor or Chief Press attended the meeting.
(Publisher's Note: In June 2009, the city council voted unanimously to appoint Press as Police Chief; Mayor Kant made these comments in July 2009, when Press was sworn in. Mayor Kant said that the Police Dept. " has seen its ups and downs the last 4 years" but "now has a new leader to take it to the next level." "The Council and I don't always agree but hopefully we'll learn from our mistakes to make things better." "I'm just as guilty as anyone for saying things I shouldn't." "I can tell Chief Press has a heart and look forward to working with him,)
Neither the Mayor or Chief Press attended the meeting.
(Publisher's Note: In June 2009, the city council voted unanimously to appoint Press as Police Chief; Mayor Kant made these comments in July 2009, when Press was sworn in. Mayor Kant said that the Police Dept. " has seen its ups and downs the last 4 years" but "now has a new leader to take it to the next level." "The Council and I don't always agree but hopefully we'll learn from our mistakes to make things better." "I'm just as guilty as anyone for saying things I shouldn't." "I can tell Chief Press has a heart and look forward to working with him,)
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