The Northeast San Antonio suburb of Windcrest gave its police chief the boot after an employee survey accused him of contributing to a “toxic” work environment, KSAT reports.
Windcrest City Council fired Police Chief Jimmie Cole Monday, replacing him with Lieutenant Davide Ellis, who will lead the force on an interim basis, according to the TV station. Cole had already been on two weeks’ administrative leave over the complaints.
The survey, completed months prior, showed a serious morale problem in the police department, KSAT reports, adding that some employees said they were afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation.
In a statement issued to the KSAT prior to his termination, Cole denied the claims in the survey, saying that while he enforces department regulations, he hasn’t taken a “tyrannical approach.”
“My management style is not based on intimidation by any means,” he said. “I believe in a collaborative approach and involve my senior command staff in a great many discussions before decisions are made.”
Even so, residents who spoke during Monday’s meeting said they are concerned about the morale of officers serving under Cole, KSAT reports. One resident, Sherillyn Flick, said the now-former chief targeted her with ethics complaints after she voiced concerns at a council meeting.
“We need honesty, integrity, and transparency,” Windcrest resident Holly Lawless said, according to the TV station. “It needs to be based on truthfulness and transparency.”
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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2024.