During a recent city council meeting, tensions between the Whitehall Police Department and city administration were brought to the forefront by Brian Steele, a representative of the Fraternal Order of Police. Steele expressed his concerns regarding the safety and leadership of the police force, urging the council to consider whether officers are receiving the support they need to serve the community effectively.

Steele highlighted a significant development: the city has filed an unfair labor practice against the Fraternal Order of Police, indicating ongoing discord between the two entities. He criticized Mayor Bivens for his handling of a controversial billboard that called for an impartial investigation into alleged corruption within the police department, suggesting that the mayor's response was inadequate and dismissive of community concerns.

A particularly alarming issue raised by Steele was the reassignment of a school resource officer, who has reportedly been removed from his duties protecting students to serve as a bodyguard for Mayor Bivens. Steele challenged the mayor's previous assurances that this was merely a rumor, asserting that the information provided by Chief Crispin was misleading. He called for an independent investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Steele also expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the city regarding the union's concerns and the status of collective bargaining rights. He urged the council to clarify its position on these critical issues, particularly in light of the recent Labor Day celebrations that honor the contributions of union labor.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for dialogue and resolution between the police union and city officials, as community safety and trust in law enforcement remain at stake.