Windcrest commission reviews ethics complaint against Pamela Dodson by Chief Jimmy Cole

The Windcrest City Ethics Commission convened on December 13, 2024, to address a series of complaints and allegations surrounding ethical conduct within the city, particularly focusing on the actions of Chief of Police Jimmy Cole and community advocate Pamela Dodson.

The meeting began with a statement from a community member who expressed concern over what they described as a retaliatory atmosphere within the city’s administration. The speaker accused the complainant, presumably Chief Cole, of launching a smear campaign against Dodson and other members of the Texas WEAC (Windcrest Animal Control Task Force). They alleged that city employees were being intimidated into writing false narratives to support these complaints, which they characterized as frivolous and baseless.

Several police department employees reportedly expressed fear of retaliation for speaking out, citing a culture of intimidation that discouraged open communication. One employee's comments highlighted a pervasive fear of being disciplined for raising concerns, indicating that many felt they had to remain silent to protect their jobs. This sentiment was echoed by multiple speakers, who described a toxic work environment where leadership prioritized personal vendettas over community welfare.

The discussion also touched on the legitimacy of the complaints filed against Dodson, with assertions that she was not a city official at the time of the alleged incidents and thus not subject to the ethics code. The speaker emphasized that the resources spent on these complaints could have been better utilized for community needs, such as improving wages or acquiring necessary equipment for the police department.

Another speaker raised concerns about the appropriateness of Chief Cole's conduct while on administrative leave, questioning why he was still permitted to wear his uniform and carry his service weapon during this period. This raised questions about the standards of administrative leave within the department and whether similar protocols would apply to other officers.

The meeting concluded with a call for the Commission to review the complaint process and ensure that proper procedures were followed before complaints reached their agenda. The next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2025, where further discussions regarding the complaints against Dodson are expected to take place.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant tensions within the Windcrest city administration, raising questions about ethical practices and the treatment of whistleblowers in the community.