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Michigan City Police Civil Service Commission adopts updated lateral transfer policy and pauses proposed termination in personnel case
Summary
At its July 13 meeting the commission approved June minutes, adopted an updated lateral transfer policy and amended a proposed termination in personnel matter PD 348 to administrative leave with pay pending a hearing; it also voted to remove Officer Jonathan Phelps from probationary status.
The Michigan City Police Civil Service Commission on July 13 approved minutes, adopted an updated lateral transfer policy and amended a proposed termination in personnel matter PD 348 to place the employee on administrative leave with pay pending a hearing.
Chair Mark Harris presided and introduced the personnel item, saying the commission "is proposing to change disciplinary from ... termination to a ... administrative leave with pay until the hearing." The commission tentatively scheduled an in-person hearing for Wednesday, July 22, pending attorney availability.
Commissioner Scott Melland moved to approve the minutes from the June 10 meeting and later moved for adoption of the revised lateral transfer policy; both motions were seconded and passed unanimously. On personnel matter PD 348 the commission voted to amend the recommended discipline to administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the scheduled hearing.
Separately, the commission considered a personnel action concerning Officer Jonathan Phelps, who the record shows was hired Feb. 16 and put on solo patrol March 25. Commissioner Scott Melland moved to remove Officer Phelps from probationary status; the motion was seconded and approved by the commission.
The body also discussed missing minutes from previous years, noting staff are searching for 2024 records to ensure compliance with open-door documentation requirements. The meeting adjourned after members confirmed a tentative hearing date for the PD 348 matter and set the next regular meeting for Aug. 12 at 11 a.m.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of minutes (June 10, 2026): motion by Scott Melland; second by Mark Harris; outcome: approved. - Adoption of updated lateral transfer policy: motion by Scott Melland; second by Mark Harris; outcome: approved. - Personnel matter PD 348 (discipline amended from termination to administrative leave with pay pending hearing): motion by Mark Harris (to amend/accept administrative leave); second by Scott Melland; outcome: approved. - Removal of Officer Jonathan Phelps from probationary status: motion by Scott Melland; second by Mark Harris; outcome: approved. - Adjournment: approved.
