Elgin Police Department faces scrutiny over termination of African American supervisor Antoinette Bryant

In a recent Elgin City Council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the termination of Antoinette Bryant, the only female African American supervisor in the Elgin Police Department. The meeting, held on February 12, 2025, featured multiple speakers who criticized the investigation that led to her firing, claiming it was flawed and biased.

The investigation, which spanned over four years and was conducted by an outside firm, has been called into question for its lack of transparency and adherence to proper procedures. Speakers argued that Bryant was not adequately informed of the allegations against her and was compelled to testify without being aware she was the target of an investigation. This, they asserted, violated both Elgin's internal rules and state statutes regarding employee rights during disciplinary proceedings.

Critics highlighted that the lead investigator, Bridal Thomas, failed to corroborate key allegations against Bryant, including claims of inappropriate language and behavior. They pointed out that no formal complaints had been filed against her prior to the investigation, raising questions about the legitimacy of the claims made against her. Furthermore, it was noted that Bryant had not received a performance evaluation in over five years, which is a violation of departmental policy.

The meeting also addressed broader issues of accountability within the police department, particularly concerning Lieutenant Jensen, Bryant's immediate supervisor, who was accused of neglecting his responsibilities. Several speakers called for an investigation into Jensen's conduct, suggesting that his failure to document grievances against Bryant contributed to the circumstances surrounding her termination.

The discussions underscored a growing concern about potential discrimination within the department, as Bryant's supporters argued that her firing was part of a pattern of unfair treatment towards minority employees. They pointed to instances where other employees faced less severe consequences for similar or more serious infractions.

As the council deliberates on these issues, the community is left questioning the integrity of the investigation process and the treatment of employees within the Elgin Police Department. The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for departmental policies and the trust of the community in its law enforcement agencies.