Gary Police Officers To Take 'No Confidence' Vote In Chief
GARY, Ind. (CBS) -- Police officers in Gary, Ind., are taking a "no confidence" vote regarding their chief Wednesday.
As WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports, Gary Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 61 President Del Stout said there have never been so many complaints against a chief as there have been lately against Chief Anthony Q. Stanley.
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"We've never had this many people approach us expressing their displeasure," Stout said Monday.
Veteran officers can't recall anything like this ever happening in the past.
Stanley, an FOP member, said he did not receive notice of the planned "no confidence" vote and declined comment. Through spokeswoman Cpl. Gabrielle King he said, "Nothing will stop the function of the police department. We will continue to move forward."
But officers claim that Stanley is vindictive and his command staff unprofessional.
An officer on sick leave, for example, said his neighbors were questioned by police about his status and officers also looked in his mailbox. Another officer complained of receiving conflicting messages from three commanders regarding a single assignment.
But it appears most are concerned that reductions in manpower and the elimination of positions mean no opportunity for advancement.
The number of slots in all ranks were recently reduced by 25 percent, and the captain's rank eliminated. The action came at a Board of Works meeting, prompted by a memo prepared by Stanley.
A promotional test is scheduled for Thursday, and officers believe the reduction practically eliminates any opportunity for advancement.
If a majority of FOP members approve the "no confidence" petition, it will be presented to Mayor Rudy Clay for consideration.
Clay appointed Stanley in August as the ninth chief to serve under Clay, who leaves office Dec. 31.
"All I can do is wait until the vote is taken, then see where we go from there," Clay said. "I wish there was more unity between the FOP and command staff."
The Northwest Indiana Post-Tribune contributed to this report, via the Sun-Times Media Wire.
