Lawrence City board approves up to 480 hours of hardship leave for Officer Matthew Williams

The Lawrence City Police Department Hardship Leave Bank Board voted to approve up to 480 hours of hardship leave for Officer Matthew Williams, pending physician clearance that would end the leave when he—s able to return to full duty without restrictions.

Lieutenant Scott Evans, the program—s pool manager, presented Williams—s application and asked the board to approve 480 hours to allow recovery without undue financial hardship. "I would like to formally request approval for 480 hours of hardship leave for officer Matthew Williams," Evans said, noting supporting documentation had been provided to the board.

Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation. The bank—s available balance was given as "5,635, give or take a few hours," Evans said. Members confirmed Williams had not used hardship leave previously and that he had exhausted his accrued time as of Dec. 15: "As of today, he has 0," Evans stated. Board members also discussed limited-duty policy; Evans said limited duty is "at the sole discretion of our chief of police."

A board member moved to approve the request with conditions tied to the doctor—s note; after discussion the motion was amended to "up to 480 hours" or until the date the physician states Officer Williams can return to full duty without restrictions. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The approval grants the requested leave from the hardship leave bank while preserving the board—s condition that the leave end when the doctor provides clearance for unrestricted full duty. The meeting record will be posted to the city—s YouTube channel; there were no further agenda items and the session adjourned at 11:34 a.m.