Former Nokomis police chief calls department "too far gone" in resignation letter

NOKOMIS, Ill. (WAND) — The reason behind former Nokomis Police Chief Earin Land stepping down from his position was revealed in a resignation letter to the department.

WAND News obtained Land's resignation letter through a FOIA request. Land resigned from his position as police chief effective Wednesday, July 1 after about six months in the position.

In the letter, Land states,

"Six months ago, I assumed the position noting multiple, severe internal issues. My goal was to stabilize and rehab the department while restoring trust within the community within a reasonable timeframe. In said time, I've made my best effort to correct the current situation to no avail.
I was unable to detour the years of degradation, internal strife, secret and dishonest activity and maneuvering. With over three decades experience in law enforcement, two decades in police management, I take no satisfaction in reporting that I can recommend no solution, I deem the situation too far gone and unsalvageable. I can recommend no-one within the current ranks of the department as an acting chief as the city endeavors to seek my replacement. I recommend that an external application of police services be sought to best serve the citizens of Nokomis."

Nokomis Mayor Dylan Goldsmith noted during a city council meeting Monday that the department has experienced serious issues that can no longer be ignored.

"The city has been dealing with serious internal and operational issues for almost a year," Goldsmith said. "Those issues are affecting staffing, supervision, department morale, command and leadership, as well as the city's ability to provide reliable law enforcement coverage."

Goldsmith said the department cannot operate without a police chief. Council member Michael Glenn proposed a motion to begin the search for a new chief, but the motion failed.

For now, the Nokomis Police Department will continue operating with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The city council will meet again Monday to determine the department's next steps.