NEWS - LEXINGTON Police
Lexington police chief resigns;
|
Lexingtonians say Dave was
|
June 18, 2014 6:30 am • Kevin Barlow • [email protected]
|
September 1, 2014 • Kasey Wells • kaseywells.weebly.com
|
LEXINGTON — The McLean County Sheriff's Department will provide temporary police coverage to Lexington while the city conducts a search for a new police chief.
Police Chief Dave Schneider resigned June 7 and an agreement with McLean County was approved Monday night by the Lexington City Council. The agreement calls for the city to pay for 40 hours of hireback patrol officers at a cost of $1,850 per week. A search for a new police chief already is underway, said Lexington Mayor John Mohr. "Our goal is to move as quickly as possible on this," he said. "Our police committee will draft a job description and then we will begin collecting and screening applicants. The chairman of the committee, Christopher Phelps, has said that he would like to have this done in 30 days." Three part-time officers were laid off, but Mohr is hoping they can be re-hired once a new chief is named. "We just felt that since there wouldn't be any full-time chief or supervisor for right now, it would be best if we wait until that gets done and then hope the existing staff can resume work," he said. Schneider started handling the police chief duties in December 2008 when Spencer Johansen resigned as chief due to health problems. The council named Schneider the permanent chief in February 2010. He has been active with the department for 14 years, but could not be reached for comment Tuesday. "In April, he was advised of his expectations and that a higher level of performance was expected," Mohr said. "He was told that we need better administration, better enforcement of codes, improved management of staff and improved incident reporting. We even received a call from Sheriff (Mike) Emery that some reporting deficiencies have compromised some investigations. Those discussions led to Dave's decision to leave." Mohr said he is satisfied Lexington will have adequate police coverage through the county until a new chief is hired. Emery said the coverage will not effect any other police coverage in the county. "We will provide the coverage and assist with anything we can," he said. "What is important is that the council is moving forward and putting public safety ahead of any other issues." Mohr said county and city officials have worked together to ensure public safety. "We appreciate working with Sheriff Emery to get this worked out quickly to ensure there are no gaps in coverage," he said. |
LEXINGTON — Lexingtonians are sad to see the Police cheif step away from his position. "Dave was a great police chief." "Dave kept the peace... peacefully." "Dave did his job the way it ought to be done." "He respected us... we respected him." "Dave looked out for LEXINGTONIANS."
Prior to Police Chief Dave Schneider resigning some of local conversations among LEXINGTONIANS were... "He couldn't hold JOHN off any longer." "Dave was tired of doing JOHN's dirty work." JOHN was constantly pushing DAVE to harass LEXINGTONIANS... write more tickets... bring in more money... JOHN said, "the cops of this town do not write enough tickets to justify their pay. I want a return on my investment." John would ask Dave to write tickets to those who didn't pull their garbage can off the street within 24 hours after garbage day. Instead of writing tickets Dave would go around and pull Lexingtonian's garbage cans in for them. Instead of taking Lexingtonian pets (who got off their chain or escaped from their owners fence) to city hall for fine collection... Dave would return peoples pets to their respected owners fine free. UNFINISHED ARTICLE |