Police Chief Under Fire Gets Tea Party Support
After Chief of Police Duane McNeill made public comments at a Tea Party rally on Sunday, members are coming to his defense.
The City of Caon City has placed McNeill on paid administrative leave pending further review and analysis of an internal management audit of the police department.
City Administration says it found possible management and personnel issues in the department that warrant further investigation and assessment.
The administrative leave for Chief McNeill was deemed to be necessary to allow a thorough and independent assessment of the situation and prescribe corrective actions for the department.
Many in town said the Chief just doesn’t understand Caon City and are not surprised by the move.
Among the most common complaints from residents were citations handed out exclusively by Chief McNeill for things like jay walking and illegal u-turns.
Many stood behind longtime employees of the department who wouldn’t follow orders to direct other officers to write the same type of tickets.
But a few members of the Royal Gorge Tea Party are coming to his defense.
“He’s being railroaded out of town,” said Vernon Thompson.
“We certainly don’t want to railroad him… send out of town… want to protect his rights,” argued Mayor Tony Greer.
“He made a comment that there were 47 lies in report,” said Edward Whitcraft who listened to the Chief’s story and is pleased with his work.
“He got out in car and patrolled street with our officers,” said Whitcraft.
While Greer said his mind is not made up, he said there are some red flags in a recent audit that need a closer look.
“It’s unusual 80% of those interviewed (Police officers and staff) had the same opinion… not real positive about Chief,” he said.
Greer said allegations of harassment and unreasonable treatment of veteran officers are some of his biggest concerns.
He also hopes a further investigation by the city will get to the bottom of some citizen complaints as well.
“There is clearly a disconnect between the majority of the department and specially the Chief of Police,” wrote Paul Schultz in the final remarks of the audit. “I think the situation is salvageable but will take a concerted effort on 3 sides- the City Council, the Chief and the Officers.”
It is not known how long it will take to complete the investigation, but City officials are working to initiate the review within days. McNeill has been employed as the Chief of Police in Caon City since December 2009.
Our calls to McNeill were not returned.
