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Elkhart City commission hears police‑discipline notifications; approves agenda and minutes
Summary
Interim Police Chief Andy Whitmire told the commission that Patrolman Cody Vickery accepted a three‑day suspension after a civilian complaint and that Patrolman Stroman Chevalier received a written reprimand and corrective training; the commission also approved the meeting agenda and the June 8 minutes (both 3‑0).
Interim Police Chief Andy Whitmire told the Elkhart City Commission on a short meeting that the police department had issued two personnel discipline notifications, including a three‑day suspension that Patrolman Cody Vickery accepted and a written reprimand for Patrolman Stroman Chevalier accompanied by corrective training.
The disclosures came during the police‑department report. Whitmire identified himself as "Andy Whitmire, interim chief of police for the Elkhart City Police Department" and said the department had investigated an interaction that began as a traffic stop and later involved personal conversation and text messages. "We are notifying the board of a three‑day suspension without pay and some corrective training," he said, summarizing the outcome for Vickery and adding that the officer accepted the discipline.
The chief said the investigation included interviews with the civilian who reported feeling uncomfortable and audits of the officer's body‑worn camera and search history. Whitmire said the department found no prior pattern in similar audits and described the incident as appearing to be a one‑off in which the exchange was initially mutual until the civilian reported discomfort.
On the second notification, Whitmire said Patrolman Chevalier received a written reprimand and corrective training focused on conduct and communication; he noted Chevalier had previously been counseled about tone and demeanor and that supervisors had observed improvement after coaching. Whitmire said formal training for the department has begun informally through supervisors and that the department would schedule an external and HR‑coordinated formal session within the next week.
The commission took no formal disciplinary action itself in the meeting; Whitmire presented the notifications for the board's information. Earlier in the session the commission approved the proposed agenda and the minutes of the June 8 meeting by voice votes recorded as 3‑0. The chair then called for public comment; none was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
The commission did not take additional action on department discipline during the session. The chief said both officers accepted the steps described and that human resources will be involved in formal training scheduling.
