NEWS

Officials discuss Yale police chief suspension

Sydney Smith
Times Herald
Chief Michael Redman

In a packed special council meeting, Yale residents voiced their opinions on their police chief's suspension.

Chief Michael Redman was suspended Monday after refusing to wear his bullet proof vest, said Mayor Richard Busch.

The chief attended a special city council meeting today and addressed the mayor publicly, in a prepared speech.

"I did wear my vest when it was prudent," he told the mayor. "I've got 38 years of wearing my vest that way. Not once has anybody questioned my use and when I've worn my vest."

Redman also alleged the mayor has undermined his authority as police chief, and talked badly about him to other members of the police department.

"Never once have I ever been questioned about how I handle myself," he said. "Never once have I ever been disciplined for any job performance issues."

The chief has requested a hearing with council on the five-day suspension. It is slated for 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

City council members will preside over the hearing, but it is up to Redman whether it is a public meeting or closed session, said John Osborn, Yale's city manager.

Residents of Yale spoke praises for Redman, and questioned whether there was an official policy to suspend him for not wearing his vest. Osborn said there is not a specific policy that names the police chief as someone who needs to wear a vest at all times while on duty.

"I thought years ago we had to put a policy in place with a grant (we received)," he said. "I cannot find that anywhere. The policy I have found is in the police department manual."

Though there is no formal policy, Busch said the police chief reports to him and needs to do what he is asked, according to Yale's city charter. As of tomorrow, Redman's suspension will be over, and he will be allowed back to work if he wears his vest.

Redman's suspension was not on the agenda for Monday's meeting, but members of the public spoke their views during public comment.

Yale resident and former mayor Jim Cronin said Busch has wanted to get rid of the police chief for some time.

"I don't know if it is jealousy, a power grab or a bullying exercise," he told the mayor. "You not only embarrassed our community but you've also embarrassed the office of mayor. Chief Redman is a very good individual and a very good police chief."

Another resident, Sandra Phillips, began coming to city council meetings because she had heard the city wanted to remove Redman as police chief.

"I have sat at these meetings numerous times in disbelief," she said. "This is a safety issue more than a vest. Bullying is not tolerated in the school systems, so why is it allowed in the city of Yale?"

Almost all of the residents who spoke at the meeting praised Redman and were disappointed in Busch for taking the action of suspending the chief, calling it "extreme." Busch said Redman not wearing his vest is still a safety issue, no matter public opinion.

"This is a safety issue. Mr. Redman has not worn a vest for years," he said. "I want all city employees to go home from work alive at night. It was not an unreasonable request."

The St. Clair County Sheriff Department helped cover shifts while Redman was suspended. Some residents shared safety concerns not having a full-coverage police department for the past five days. The room erupted in applause when one woman told the mayor she would work to get him recalled.

Susan Wismer told the council implementing a formal policy about wearing bullet proof vests would be a good idea.

"It might be something you'd like to implement in future use," she said. "I think as far as suspending him without pay, that was incorrect. We have some pros and cons both ways."

Contact Sydney Smith at (810) 989-6259 or at ssmith10@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @SydneyS_mith.