Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson faces a significant challenge to his leadership after officers within his department delivered a vote of "no confidence" against him. The vote, logged at 54 to 30 by members of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 Union, represents a sizable portion of the police force's discontent with the current command. According to Fox Baltimore, the union has cited the loss of CALEA accreditation and alleged retaliation against officers as key issues underpinning their concerns.
Amidst the dissent, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley continues to express unwavering support for Chief Jackson. In response to the vote, Mayor Buckley praised the chief's track record, citing "outstanding achievements" and changes that have been implemented to improve the police force, as reported by Fox Baltimore. The mayor's confidence in the police administration, however, contrasts sharply with the union's reported grievances, particularly the alleged "us-versus-them mentality" of the department's leadership.
John Lee, UFCW Local 400 Collective Bargaining Director and former Annapolis Police Detective expressed the union's position starkly, "Today's vote is a resounding rebuke of the current leadership of the department and is a direct result of a litany of concerns raised by our members on the force," as per WMAR-2 News. The vote followed the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of two officers who had brought complaints regarding internal departmental issues to Mayor Buckley's attention.
Chief Jackson, supported by Mayor Buckley, remains resolute in continuing his work, focusing on the betterment of public safety and community engagement efforts. "I will continue to focus on our law enforcement efforts in the city and make Annapolis one of the safest cities you’ll find anywhere," Jackson stated, an assertion backed by his initiatives in crime suppression and community policing, according to WMAR-2 News. In a bid to resolve the conflict, Mayor Buckley has also announced his intention to organize listening sessions with department members to address their concerns.
