Government
BY ANGELA BONILLA & JESSICA SHORTEN
Police Chief Tom Libby departs
What’s next?
City ocials said on April 25 a search for a new chief would begin immediately, and Brandon Rogers was named interim chief. “As the city looks ahead, a formal search process will be launched to identify a new chief of police who will continue building on the department’s commitment to professionalism, safety and community partnership,” the release said. At an April 28 meeting, City Council members voted to adopt an ordinance clarifying the language surrounding the city manager’s role in personnel actions. The ordinance arms the city manager’s oversight and approval authority over “signi cant” personnel decisions in the Police Department.
Oak Ridge North city ocials announced the retirement of Police Chief Tom Libby in a social media news release April 25 after he was placed under probationary review April 14. In the release, city ocials announced eective April 25 that Libby would no longer serve as police chief over the Oak Ridge North Police Department following a recommendation from City Manager Heather Neeley to terminate Libby from his position April 14. Libby was placed under a probationary review period following reports alleging a “hostile culture” within the department, according to discussion at the April 14 meeting. Neeley said the recommendation came following the loss of 19 police ocers from the department since 2020 who each cited concerns about a toxic work environment and a lack of training. Following a tie vote in council, Mayor Paul
Police chief leaves department 1993: Tom Libby joins Oak Ridge North Police Department 2018: Libby named police chief 2020-25: 19 police ocers leave the department April 14, 2025: Libby placed under probationary review April 25, 2025: Libby retires from position
SOURCE: OAK RIDGE NORTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Bond on April 14 made the deciding vote to keep Libby on to provide an opportunity to address the reports. Libby argued against termination at that meeting. “I am willing to do whatever it is I need to do and take corrective steps,” Libby said April 14.
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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