Police Chief Womack expected to resign
11 March 2010
RS
15 Comments
Lisa Womack has been Elgin's Chief of Police since 2005 (Photo by The Elginite).
Elgin Chief of Police Lisa Womack is expected to resign her position, local newspapers reported today. Deputy Chief Jeff Swoboda is now the acting chief.
No reasons have been given for her departure.
See the Courier and Daily Herald coverage.
Possibly related posts:
Loading ...
Well, we’re more than two weeks into this matter, and the public hasn’t been allowed to know any more about our police leadership than we did then. Nevermind getting “reasons” for Womack’s departure… has there really even been a “departure”? It’s March 26, and Elgin’s website still shows Womack as the “chief.”
And no blog comments on this matter, either. Evidently, no one (including what passes for local news media) really cares about such a trivial issue as Elgin’s police leadership when faced with a really pressing matter like dogs. And you wonder why Elgin has a gang problem… And just so indicative of Elgin’s “Chicago-style” public policy environment: closemouthed government, indifferent public.
As a former, Qualified, Elgin City Council Candidate, I would question, if presently in that position, if there could have been a lateral transfer or move to the new position with the same pay. Now we have a pension in place, with a new salary. The comment made that he will be doing more work at the city for less pay than he received at the P.D. may suggest the pay was too high at the P.D. It does appear that Mr. Barnes is qualified for his position, this is not the issue. Also, what happened to our police chief? What legally, are we allowed to know and what can the city release. We don’t know anything! If I were there, you would know something, any and all legal information should be released to you in a proper fashion so your not left in the dark! This information is yours, it’s part of your taxes!
Ref: D.H. story, newly created position of professional standards officer.
Government employees are protected by rights when it comes to personnel issues. Because most government employees are highly paid (overpaid) they have a tendency to sue for breaches of privacy.
The Herald has an article today that calls into question Chief Womack’s time at conferences over the years. That is a low blow. Conferences are work and are approved by the city manager. I assume some of those conferences were about illegal aliens and that means she HAD to attend. One more example of how much illegal aliens are costing us.
You are an idiot for covering up for those in positions of authority who misuse tax dollars and rob americans without a care. There is a Good reason she was asked to step down!! Good for the person that had the guts to deal with this! She was paid to protect americans not rob from them!
If Chief Womack resigns she would not get a severance package, right? If she is fired, she would. Will that become public knowledge? What will the severance package be? If Mike Robins was on the council I’m sure we would all know the answers to those questions by now.
Great weather, no news tonight on our chief, it was a long wait for them to come out after the executive session. Some I spoke with liked the chief and feel something strange is behind this, I’m sure there is! Tree info was given, those on public property, employee recognition, bids were voted on. Good question on the severance package, if no info comes in soon, maybe a FOIA would produce if she had received a package without the why. The answer would then be apparent. The last four council meetings,no other past or future candidates have attended. Their missing the process. What do you think of Dave Kaptain running for MAYOR? He has always been interested in the people. I have noticed he questions topics and agendas that come up when he wants our input, he believes people should have a choice and a voice in the matter at hand. Thats what he mentioned to me recently. Good Night!
Dave Kaptain needs to stay right where he is and maybe consider leaving his curent position for the good of the city. The sooner the better….
Thanks for the report, Mike. I’ll check tomorrow’s news reports, but it sounds like we’re still in the dark about Lisa and Elgin’s police leadership.
And just to add to the spice of Elgin life… Crain’s has a headline tonight “Grand Victoria Casino co-owner MGM to be probed by state for possible Asian mob ties.”
Is there anything in Elgin that’s on the up-and-up?
Well, I stepped out of the room for 20 min. last night to speak with some people in the hall, upon returning, two seniors I was sitting with told me nothing came up with the chief while I was out. That may be there impression, or Harry got the info after the meeting from the nights executive session. Regardless, I don’t feel that the matter of conferences is whats at hand here, due to her position, these are required of her or should be. Many public service positions require these types of training, perhaps up to 40 hours per. year to keep up with the changes. Some officers have recently told me they heard she was asked to research a plan in certain areas of the dept. such as gang units changes and other areas. It was told to me that she went ahead and implemented it without getting back to the city manager and council to get the go ahead. And if here problems fall with just these conferences, which I don’t believe, then as one posted in here, that is a very low blow! At least we have the severance answer. I wonder if she will do nothing, and then file a lawsuit?
How, pray tell, does Mr. Robins know no future city council candidates have been at the last 4 meetings? Do future candidates have to register with him? How obnoxious and self-important.
“Their missing the process.”
It appears someone is missing a semester of 4th grade English.
March 11, 2010: “Womack no longer Elgin’s top cop; no word why. Lisa Womack is no longer Elgin’s police chief. Elgin Deputy Police Chief Jeff Swoboda confirmed Thursday morning that he has taken on the role of acting police chief.” Daily Herald.
April 1, 2010: “Lisa (Womack) is still the chief of police,” Stegall said. Daily Herald.
Just what’s going on here? Talk all you want about “personnel matters” as a reason for covering up government information, but don’t Elgin residents have the right to be kept informed about who is leading one of the city’s most critical functions?
It’s official: Lisa Womack resigned. Now she can decide if she wants to answer questions.
Womack is in run off for Greensboro NC Chief of Police position.
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=145411
We’ve had soooooooooooooo much drama in the GPD over the past 5 years, every since our city manager forced former Chief David Wray to resign, by locking him out of his office. Bogus charges, never proved against him. For her it could be a step from the “frying pan” into the “fire”.
So, what happened to Womack? Why did she leave Elgin??
they don’t tell us anything. you will get more info from the folks in greensboro
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/07/19/article/womack_called_change_agent_with_strong_personality
The new Chief, whom ever is selected for the city of Greensboro, NC will be inheriting a tremendous amount of turmoil, controversy and dissent among the rank and file. It is disheartening to learn that Chief Womack was asked to resign or be terminated from the Elgin PD and information concerning the departure is very limited. I just hope that Greensboro city leaders will thoroughly explore any adverse issues surrounding her departure for the moral among police officers appears to be at an all time low.
The citizens’ of Greensboro, NC are ready for a leader to instill the moral and ethics the department once was known for and build the reputation that was admired by agencies throughout the Southeast United States.