WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

Kalamazoo Police Chief departing amid harassment allegations

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Kalamazoo Police Chief Vernon Coakley's 24-year career with the Department of Public Safety is over, following an outside investigation into complaints of discrimination and verbal harassment.

He was placed on unpaid administrative leave in August after three women employees of the city filed the complaints. Coakley's retirement will take effect Sunday. City Manager Jim Ritsema said it was part of a negotiated settlement after an independent investigation supported the women's claims.

The first complaint was filed on June 30, 2022, by a female KDPS employee alleging discrimination and harassment related to alleged verbal abuse. She later filed another complaint about some alleged incidents that occurred in 2018 and 2019 related to alleged sexual harassment.

The second complaints were filed by two non-KDPS employees in mid-August alleging discrimination and harassment. That was for alleged use of language that could be construed as sexual harassment.

Coakley was placed on paid administrative leave Aug. 16 pending the outcome of an outside investigation into the complaints.

The City of Kalamazoo says independent investigator interviewed Chief Coakley, the three complainants, and a total of 19 possible witnesses, including past and current city of Kalamazoo employees and individuals that Chief Coakley requested be interviewed.

According to the city, the terms of the separation agreement provide Coakley with a severance package totaling $155,250. Here are other key points of the agreement:

A. Coakley’s employment with the City of Kalamazoo will end December 31, 2022; he will remain on paid administrative leave until that date

B. Coakley will retire effective January 1, 2023 with the standard KDPS pension package consistent with his employment agreement with the City

C. Coakley will receive a severance payment of 12 months’ salary totaling $155,250

D. Coakley will receive the standard payout of any unused sick or vacation time 

E. Coakley’s separation will be listed as, “Retirement in Good Standing” for the purposes of the Law Enforcement Officer Separation of Service Record Act

F. Coakley releases the City from any future claims of possible suits, and agrees to nondisparagement of the City or its employees

G. The City and Coakley will release a mutually agreed upon joint public statement.


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