Plymouth Police Unions Give Vote of ‘No Confidence’ in Chief
Rank-and-file officers in the Plymouth Police Department say they’ve lost confidence in Chief Erik Fadden.
Meanwhile, city officials and the city council are standing behind Fadden.
Fadden was appointed chief and public safety director in Plymouth in January 2021.
The police department’s patrol officer and sergeant unions recently approved a vote of “no confidence” in Fadden’s leadership.
In a letter to city officials dated Jan. 15, the unions said they were “deeply concerned about the future of our police department.”
“Our police officers are undervalued, suffering from a departmental culture in turmoil, and low morale,” the letter reads. “Our officers endure burnout due to failed recruitment and retention efforts.”
Rank-and-file officers in the Plymouth Police Department say they’ve lost confidence in Chief Erik Fadden. Meanwhile, city officials and the city council are standing behind Fadden.
The letter lists 10 issues where the unions feel Fadden is failing.
Among them are his “absence or ineffective leadership and decision-making,” a “fear of retaliation and low levels of psychological safety within the police department,” and a “culture of distrust between the public safety director and division leadership.”
City officials released a written statement supporting Fadden on Sunday, Jan. 19.
“Plymouth City Council and city leaders are supportive of the Plymouth Public Safety Department, Police Department leadership and Plymouth police officers – and this unwavering support continues,” the statement reads. “Chief Fadden’s mission is to foster a department of mutual respect, with a dedication to teamwork and a focus on excellence in day-to-day work.”
The statement notes efforts the city has taken to retain officers.
“It’s a difficult time to be a police officer, and Plymouth is not alone when it comes to challenges with officer recruitment and retention,” the statement reads. “The City of Plymouth has directed significant public resources toward police department employees in recent years, including market adjustments for law enforcement salaries, which were negotiated with union representatives; additional leave benefits; financial support for educational advancement; support for mental health, physical fitness and wellness initiatives/opportunities; and efforts to work collaboratively on a labor management committee. The City of Plymouth remains committed to these efforts and looks forward to working with union bargaining groups on continued progress in these areas in order to meet the needs of the community.”
