WINDCREST – After two weeks on administrative leave, Windcrest police chief Jimmie Cole was officially terminated by the city council following a highly critical employee survey.
The survey, filled out by police department staff, pointed out Cole as a contributing factor to a “toxic” workplace. Many residents welcomed the decision, citing a need for new leadership within the department.
At the city council meeting where Cole’s termination was announced, residents expressed relief and anticipation for a positive change. Beverly Cunningham, a local volunteer, was among those who spoke out, saying, “I don’t wish him any ill will, but I’m still dumbfounded that he has abused his position to do this.”
The survey, which had been completed months earlier, revealed significant morale issues within the department. It stated responses that described the department’s culture as “toxic,” with some employees claiming that they were discouraged from speaking out for fear of retaliation.
During public comment, some residents referenced the report, “One, I feel like I have to bite my tongue; two, why say anything when command staff doesn’t care?; three, I had to learn to shut my mouth and go with the flow, otherwise, we will be targeted and retaliated against.”
In response to the survey’s findings, prior to his termination, Cole issued a statement addressing the concerns. He denied the allegations of creating a hostile work environment, stating, “I do not take a tyrannical approach to handling problems,” and adding that his management style was based on collaboration rather than intimidation.
Cole’s entire statement can be read below:
I do not believe I ever made a comment like that. I have made comments noting that as the chief of police, I am the one responsible for the department and the actions of the officers. So, I have a responsibility to the public to make sure the department operates correctly. However, a great many issues are addressed through the chain of command. While I am briefed on most issues addressed by command staff, I do not take a tyrannical approach to handling problems, which is what that improper quote implies. My management style is not based on intimidation by any means. I believe in a collaborative approach and involve my senior command staff in a great many discussions before decisions are made. Everyone is treated fairly. As law enforcement officers, everyone in the department is sworn to protect the public and enforce the law. This includes following department regulations. I have had officers who believed they were above the rules or that the rules do not apply to them. That type of perspective has no place in the Windcrest Police Department. In the past, officers have learned from their mistakes, adjusted, and become productive members of the department. Others have not. I do not know who made the comments regarding running the department through intimidation, as the employee survey was anonymous. As a result, I cannot speak to why individuals may have that belief. I can say that rules are applied uniformly and fairly, and I collaborate with command staff regarding their application.”
However, complaints about Cole were not limited to his handling of staff. Some residents also raised concerns about his actions outside the department. Sherillyn Flick, for instance, says she was subject to several ethics complaints filed by Cole after she publicly voiced her concerns at a city council meeting and posted about them on social media. The ethics complaints were eventually dropped, as Flick says she was not a city employee.
Windcrest resident Holly Lawless expressed concerns about the state of the department under Cole’s leadership while reflecting on the situation. “Our police officers, we see them every single day—they’re responsible for our safety. They deserve respect, and the fact that they are feeling so disheartened and don’t want to stay here is a concern as a citizen,” she said.
Looking ahead, Lieutenant Davide Ellis has been appointed as the interim police chief of the department. Many residents are hopeful that this change in leadership will mark the beginning of a more transparent and accountable chapter for the department.
“We need honesty, integrity, and transparency,” Lawless added. “It needs to be based on truthfulness and transparency.”
The City of Windcrest now looks forward to the future of its police department under new leadership, as both residents and law enforcement personnel hope to restore trust and morale within the force.