NOKOMIS, Ill. (WAND) — Residents packed Nokomis City Hall after Police Chief Earin Land unexpectedly resigned less than a week ago. Now, the police department is at risk of shutting down.
"I understand that you, as the public, want answers, and I understand the frustration when it comes to the city not being able to publicly disclose every detail. However, many of these issues involve personnel matters, pending or potential investigations, and legal issues that cannot be discussed in open session," said Mayor Dylan Goldsmith.
Though the mayor did not explain the reason behind Land's resignation or what investigations could be underway, he said 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. 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 mayor said the Nokomis Police Department cannot operate without a police chief. Many residents said the department is essential to the community.
"We do need the police here. If it [hadn't] been for the officers helping with my daughter's mental health crisis, my daughter would not be here today," one resident said.
One emergency responder said that without a local police department, families could be put in danger.
"With our officers here, it's much easier for us to respond to overdoses and domestic calls, which we have quite a few of. Without the police, we're going to have to wait much longer to get help to the people who need it," the emergency responder said.
Council member Michael Glenn proposed a motion to begin the search for a new police chief, but the motion failed.
For now, the Nokomis Police Department will continue operating with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
The Nokomis City Council will meet again Monday to determine the department's next steps.
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