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Council meeting turns heated

What was supposed to be an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the Harrisburg Police Department turned into a heated debate over the support received by the department from the city.

Whipper Johnson, who has served as Chief of Police for the city of Harrisburg for just over a year, was asked to come before the council during their meeting on Thursday by Commissioner McPeek to address the achievements of the department since Johnson took over as chief. McPeek served as Mayor Pro Tem during the meeting, as Mayor Dale Fowler could not be in attendance.

"Right now…our police departments are being targeted all over the United States, and we should hear what Whipper has to say about what's going on in his department," McPeek said.

Quickly though, the discussion turned into a debate between Johnson and Public Health and Safety Commissioner Beth Montfort over the support given to officers by the council. Johnson began his presentation by explaining that he had been asked to attend by McPeek after he had been made aware of "misrepresentation for the police department," which Johnson and his officers had also been made aware of.

Johnson then listed the accomplishments of the department since he took over as chief. In comparing June 2015 to June 2016: documented police actions rose by nearly 20 percent in one year, reports rose by 32 percent, adult criminal arrests rose 21 percent. According to Johnson, when comparing the first six months of 2015 to the first six months of 2016, drug arrests in Harrisburg have increased by 61 percent. Overtime usage has dropped, and other improvements have been made to the department, including in vehicles.

Johnson then opened up the floor to questions from the council, in an attempt to address "concerns" that had been addressed at the previous council meeting, including removing him from his position.

Montfort acknowledged that the discussion had been had among council members, saying that they were "trying to find ways to continue" the discussion. "There's no doubt you're doing a great job, and we appreciate that," Montfort said to Johnson.

From there, the discussion turned heated, with Johnson and Montfort arguing over the latter's lack of experience in dealing with law enforcement, Johnson's defense of the HPD's operations, and communication between councilmen and the department.

The discussion returned to the topic of whether or not to fire Johnson, with Johnson alleging that he had been told that the council was in unanimous agreement (with the exception of Commissioner Natalie Miller, who was not present in this discussion), but that they wanted to wait, while Montfort clarified the discussion as centering around, "Wanting to make a change for the better," by making Johnson the head of a drug enforcement team that the HPD does not have. Johnson pointed out that the HPD does not have a detective or other specialized task forces currently on staff.

Johnson then accused Montfort of violating department policy by "sneaking around and talking to officers," an action which would violate the chain of departmental command. While Montfort can contact officers, officers must follow the chain of command within the HPD and receive permission from Johnson before contacting Montfort.

"My guys don't answer to you, they answer to me," Johnson said. "They have to go through me to talk to you." Johnson also accused Montfort of violating the Open Meetings Act by contacting the other city commissioners to discuss city issues.

"We're not getting the support at the police department that we deserve. Period," Johnson said. "The numbers speak for themselves, the management speaks for itself. I stand behind these guys, and they stand behind me."

McPeek called for increased cooperation between the city and the HPD, saying, "You guys have to work together, everybody does."

Before stepping from the podium Johnson asked each commissioner what they would like from the police department. While most called for cooperation, or praised the department, Public Property Commissioner Richard Harper asked the department to "not sit around and set me (Harper) up and target me." In February of 2016, Harper was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage. The charges were later dropped.

"If we see crime in progress, we are expected to report that crime," Johnson responded. In response, Harper accused Johnson of "lacking the skills necessary to be a police chief," pointing out a lack of paperwork, and other alleged improprieties.

Soon after, the council was gaveled into executive session, to discuss personnel issues. Before being called into the meeting, Johnson expressed a desire for more transparency and communication from the council. "I've been transparent from day one. I don't get that in return, and I wish we did," Johnson said. "My intent tonight was to expose a few things, with enough seriousness to curtail any future coups without creating a zoo."

"It's tough when you and your department know your business, and those who supervise you do not," Johnson said. Johnson did praise the "great" support that the department has received from the community, through "nice gestures…sometimes a small gift, sometimes a small card." "When I say small, I mean small in size, not small in meaning," Johnson said.

After the council returned from executive session, no action was taken in regards to personnel.