For the second time since the hiring of Salisbury police chief, Allan Webster, complaints have been lodged against him, potentially serious enough to request his resignation or terminate his service with the city. For the second time since his employment, under two very different mayors, he escapes termination. Both times complaints were filed with the expectation of anonymity, for fear of retaliation, for which the city has become known. Both times anonymity has been breached.
Comparing the events of 2002 to the most recent events of 2009 it would appear Chief Webster has an established modus operandi. Upon reading all the information gathered you will see a pattern develop. If I had the time I would research further to see if Chief threatened his former employers with the same senseless, baseless lawsuits, which he never wins.
My intention was to put this out with complete articles from the various media outlets and official city documents. Rather than post extensive documentation I’m going to keep it as short and sweet as possible. There is enough here for anyone to come to a rational conclusion. The chief of police must be replaced, it’s that simple.
July 2002 after receiving complaints from city police department employees and citizens, the city council made a formal request to fire Allan Webster. Later in the fall of the same year more complaints were filed against the chief of police. The council hired an attorney, Steve Bers, because Paul Wilber could not represent the city while investigating one of its department heads. Probably the only time a conflict of interest was realized. The council spent a considerable amount of money investigating the complaints filed.
Ordinance 1862 was passed on October 28, 2002 by a 4-1 vote with Michael Day abstaining. This ordinance could force Chief Webster to hand over personnel records to the council. Chief Webster wasn’t having any of that, he enlisted the aid of the FOP to file suit against the city to prevent the council from having access to personnel files. Specific information in these files would have provided answers to the questions councilmember’s had regarding the complaints filed by police department employees. Of course, Barrie Tilghman maintained Webster had done nothing wrong and the council had no reason to suspect he had. Tilghman also vetoed the ordinance.
Chief Webster and Barrie Tilghman are not very good at the “I didn’t know” game; it just doesn’t work for them. Proof the “I don’t know anything” doesn’t work for them. …“the complaints were not new to Administration since conversations were held with Mayor Tilghman and Chief Webster well over a year ago. When the investigation began, every attempt the Council made to secure information was blocked. There were specific files the attorney needed to review to substantiate information and a few police officers to interview, but this did not occur” City Council Meeting dated October 28, 2002 Special Session
Oops, pesky things like official records tend to get in the way.
Next thing you know, sometime in November 2002, heres Chief Webster, doing what he always does, threatening the City Council with a lawsuit if they don’t turn over tapes from a July 8th closed session meeting. Chief Webster filed a formal request for these tapes and wouldn’t you know it, the one page letter just happened to be obtained by the Tilghman Times.
January 2003 after much media manipulation and the usual Barrie temper tantrums thrown around town C.T. Webster caves in, as does Joe Scott. In the presence of the city solicitor, Mayor Barrie Tilghman, and three of the council members, Michael Day, Joe Scott and C.T. Webster sign an agreement with Chief Webster. Rachel Polk and Von Siggers refused to sign due to unresolved issues. The agreement called for the city to pay the chief's legal bills and it allows Webster to become a city employee when his contract expires in July 2003. In return, Webster has agreed not to sue the city for any action taken against him prior to January 10, 2003. Webster sued the city for $400,000 but settled for $9,999.00 which came out of the city budget.
January 24, 2003 Chief Webster files a civil suit against Rachel Polk for defamation. Chief Webster claimed that Rachel Polk distributed an anonymous letter that contained defamatory statements she knew to be false. His case was thrown out of court. Dismissed with prejudice.
The anonymous letter he claims as defamatory is the same anonymous letter sent to the council with complaints about Chief Webster and some issues with the Weed and Seed Fund. Shanie Shields was the West Side coordinator for the program at the time. Shanie was asked to investigate when the first round of complaints came in. Later more complaints were sent to the council, in an anonymous letter from a police officer. Shanie was contacted again, to see if she had uncovered anything, she was also sent a copy of the letter. Instead of replying to the council with her findings, Shanie sent the anonymous letter to Chief Webster. This was the basis of his lawsuit against Rachel Polk.
Fast Forward to 2007
Webster files a civil suit against Joe Albero for defamation. Once again, he sues and loses. He sued Albero for $9,999.00. He never made it to court with Albero. In the final hours before they were to appear in court Webster’s attorney, Jesse Hammock was pleading with Albero’s attorney, Bruce Bright to come to an agreement. Joe told his lawyer there would be no monetary settlement, none whatsoever. Not a dime, not a penny, zip, zilch, nada. Had Webster pushed for money he would have had his day in court with Albero and ended up, once again losing. Whatever the agreement was, it must be embarrassing for the chief because he had it stipulated the terms of the agreement were to be kept quiet. Joe would have told it all if he were able, we all know this to be true.
Now here we are in 2009
Chief Webster does as always, runs to the Tilghman Times and spins out a story claiming to know nothing about what is in the documents. Once again, documents of a confidential nature are leaked to the Daily Times. Once again, Chief Webster asks the council to pay his legal fees.
Are you seeing the pattern yet? This is Chief Webster’s M.O.; he gets caught then uses the Daily Times to spin the truth into something that doesn’t even remotely resemble the truth, in an effort to make it look like everyone is out to get him. Somehow the Daily Times always manages to obtain documents.
If he had handled his business in a professional manner, if he was performing his duties as a department head should, if he would answer truthfully to the council, he wouldn’t be on the carpet.
Sources: WMDT, WBOC, Daily Times, Salisbury City Council Meeting Minutes
Originally Posted on 8-23-09 at 9:05 AM.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
46 comments:
don't forget about the law suit by former female Capt Sandy Willey, now second in charge at FPD...
Joe-Again you are the man. Keep up the good work.
Even the Daily Rag is demanding action!!!
Decision time for the mayor
Someone needs to make the call on Chief Webster's future
August 23, 2009
It's time for the Mayor of Salisbury to bring in a Superintendent of Police Services so Webster would have a new boss and would lose control of the Police Department.
Chiefy why don't you spend more time worrying about the crime in the city and less time suing people? You have not performed your job. You will never be able to get rid of the scum that you have allowed to invade Salisbury. It's time for you to step down and let someone else who cares about what's going on in Salisbury. You have assumed the responsibility to protect and serve. The only thing you have been serving are court papers to sue people for standing up to you and stating the truth. Can't you see that the public you serve doesn't want you here any more? Move on and let someone else take the helm. We are sick of robberies, murders, drive by shootings, theft, home invasions, etc. Get out of the way so someone else can clean up the streets.
9:20 - read the byline.
At the pace Ireton is going, he couldm't be superintendent of the bathroom hall monitors at school, let alone a responsible position.
Fore Webster and lat the pansy scream like a little girl and threaten lawsuits, who cares. He doesn't have the money to sue the City, yet Jimmy is running scared because Webster is threatening to sue.
Wake up Jimm and call his bluff.
Joe, he'd probably get the FOP to take his case so he wouldn't be out of pocket.
9:27AM, I agree, bring in Leatherbury as a Colonel and Chief Webster would answer to the Colonel. Webster would resign in a week.
JT is all over this Post upset that we're picking on his #1 source for inside information.
How dare we pick on his #1 source, right. Well, unlike the Mayor, here at Salisbury News we're clearly NOT afraid of Chiefy and we have proven so. Just because he had a badge and a gun doesn't mean he's not an a-hole. After all, he came all the way to Salisbury to take a job because no one else would hire him. THINK ABOUT IT FOLKS!
9:20 If you read the final paragraph from the Daily Times opinion, you will see they really back the butt-hole Chief.
Here is the quote from today's Daily Times, "The mayor must soon declare whether there is validity to the documented complaints concerning Webster. If those complaints are indeed irrelevant -- and they are -- he should immediately begin working hand-in-hand with the chief to lower crime and protect the citizenry. A decision, followed by action, is needed."
They are saying that the complaints of the citizens are irrelevant, as in they don't matter. What they are really advocating is that the Mayor come out and show support for the Chief or get rid of him. This op-ed piece is really a jab at Ireton, not Webster.
The Daily Times editorial this morning is just ridiculous. Can't tell they're supporting Webster while slamming their favorite targets of Ireton, Campbell and Cohen.
And what about the Chief's investigation of Debbie Campbell? What's the story there? Why isn't the Daily Times investigating whether there's any truth to it out there?
Great post by Ghanima. He should be a Daily Times reporter because he actually researches things!
Joe, I wish your blog were a newspaper. The Daily Rag would be out of business.
10:02, RIGHT ON! That stupid article lists "legitimate" reasons to want to bounce the chief.
But constituent complaints aren't legitimate? WTF?
Amazing post, Ghanima.
Comegys, Shields and Smith need to sit up and pay attention. People are sick of the chief of police and want someone who will bring crime down for real, not just say it's down.
Five people shot. But the chief dismissed the seriousness of gangs in Salisbury.
Joe, Please make sure to post this on Monday as well. Sundays are busy days between church and errands, etc. I think it's important that all citizens have the opportunity to really take a look at this. Thanks very much,
Beth
9:16 - Capt Willey didn't file a lawsuit against Webster. She filed a complaint with BPT who then began her reign of terror. With that, the file shredding began, the bogus investigations began and SPD has stayed the course ever since. Ask Lt Davis all about it.
What is it with the Daily Times and printing leaked information in an effort to protect Webster?
I see far more of a possible conspiracy there than I do any kind of conspiracy that the Daily Times is accusing Cohen and Campbell of.
It is obvious that there are many citizens who are fearful with living in the city with the crime level it is experiencing. However, if the information is correct, the Mayor no longer can terminate the chief without consensus of the council. He is in a very difficult place and in my opinion, the best choice he has is to take a stand if he is dissatisfied with the Chief and let the people rally behind him. That is showing real leadership and I think the citizens are wanting it.
Please read entire post.
All the way to Salisbury from Baltimore. Now that is a long distance!
Chief Webster is way more on top of his department than Lewis is his. Crime rate in the city are not up half as high as the county. And our City crime actually get solved at twice the rate. The amount of formal complaints are way less in the city than the county. And one final note. How many city offiecers have resigned under disgrace or been fired because of criminal acts! NONE.
So let us not compare the county to the city.
All that said, I think it is time for a new Cheif of Police. We need to go to a New York way of policing statring with alll the little crimes and then tackling the bigger ones!
The sooner the better. Buy out Websters contract and hire a new Chief. Maybe one from NEW YORK or CHICAGO. Salisbury is no longer a big town its a small CITY!
anon 1254: are u kidding me?
The reason crime gets solved in the city is due to the tremendous work the sheriff's office does in catching these thugs. SPD is a joke...make a complaint, and you'll have multiple city infractions against you..
Calls for service are routinely delayed so only a report will be taken...The truth is SPD has become the joke of MD. Trying to compare Lewis and Webster is no different than equating a Motel 6 to be of the same class of service someone gets in the Ritz... How many people has Webster locked up in the last 20 years? Besides fellow officers....
thanks for the lies!
Is everyone missing what I take to be the point of this post? Chief Webster is being investigated due to complaints lodged against him by his own personnel and citizens. Barrie Tilghman steps in and vetoes the ordinance to prevent the attorney and council from doing their jobs of investigating the complaints lodged. What did they have to hide? What went on with the Weed and Seed program? Why did Shanie disregard a request from council? Something stunk then and it's still stinks today.
Webster only arrests the prostitutes when the heat is on. He couldn't catch a cold if he stood naked in Alaska and we expect him to catch Part 1 criminals. Not going to happen.
It's pretty darn clear that your Mayor either is in no hurry or simply doesn't want to get rid of SPD chief. Question aught to be: Why?
I live in the county. I came home form work my house was broken into. Three calls directly to Sherriffs office. And 55 minutes later someone shows up! Turns out the burglar was in my house the whole time. He ran out when I decided to go in and use the rest room. I called my friend in Delmar Police. He came over in five minutes and searched for suspect. Deputy told me I should get a "better" lock. They broke the window in the rear of the house! He was an idiot and now almost two weeks later i still have no report! I wish I lived in the city!
Excellent point, Anon 157. The answer is probably the same as to why Tilghman chose to protect. As the saying goes "its not who you know but what you have on them." Tilghamn protected Webster because he did her bidding. Why do think he turned a blind eye to the Rachel Polk assault? They scratched each other's back.
Webster probably has something on Jim Ireton. That is why he stays. Or worse, Ireton is just another disappointment. This town hasn't had a real Mayor since Paul Martin.
The person responding to a comment made at 9:20, please resend your comment. I can't approve it with all the unacceptable language. It's a good comment, please resend.
Over 185 comments posted on issues concerning the Police Chief and violent crime in this city. That is over 185 comments not to mention the ones kicked out due to language. We have a mayor that is clueless, spineless or both. The fact of the matter is we have an ongoing problem with crime and one of the most violent crimes committed almost 48 hours ago and our elected Mayor hasn't done anything yet. What a sad state of affairs in this city. You would think as much as Jim Ireton loves a great photo op he would take advantage of this situation and get things done. Guess what, things are changing Mr. Ireton, as you promised, but a change for the worse. First thing Monday morning I am calling my realtor and putting my home on the market. That's right Mr. Mayor I am one of the 20% owner occupied, tax paying voters in this city and you just gave me reason to jump ship. You my friend are WORTHLESS!!
I though Jim and Joe were friends. This just show what a worthless spinless Mayor Ireton is. You can't trust him. He is a weasel!
RECALL IRETON!
has't salisbury had enough?
Yes, Webster is Teflon coated, until Bubba or Louweasal is replaced with a more objective official. It is the sad but accurate truth. District 1 let everyone down with the re-election of Shanie.
Jim Lewis, Joe and Jim Ireton are friends, but Joe is trying to put some fire under his ass and get him to do what he promised everyone he was going to do. This blog is a voice for the people whether you support Jim Ireton or not. And yes I agree with you Jim Ireton has turned out to be a spineless Mayor. He is no more than a glorified office girl at this point.
Joe...what about people "posting" with their "real" names... I see 5 out of 11 of "your" contibutors are NOT using real names. Maybe we can believe their posts if we knew whom wrote them, without that, it's just hear-say
Stick around some and youll figure it out.
We need a police chief that shows a strong presence. He has to make a stance and let the people know HE will put a stop to crime! Make it personal, like Mike Lewis does. I called he several years ago concerning the criminal activity on my daughters street and he told me "I can't do anything, before I get them booked, they are bailed out." So you just let them go? Chief Webster hides in an unmarked car with no uniform...showing up at WaWa in the morning for coffee and dounuts isn't making a presence in the city!
I don't post with my name because I am in a position where I could be easily retaliated upon because of my views. If I was independantly wealthy, I would be glad to use my name.
Anon 202. BULL SHIT. put your name on it. Under the new ruling in New York State anyone who slanders or defames can be found out. Looks like I will ne getting a supoena for your name. I just it is who I suspect.
There is no way that under the system at the Sheriff's Office a report was not completed they have in car computers. All calls monitored daily.
The reports are picked up at the Sheriff's Office the next day by the victim. They are not dropped at your door step. So JR or JT better not be flat out slandering with lies. That was not an opion given it was a statement.
The bigger lie was you found a Delmar Cop.
If the Salisbury Police Department was a private sector business and the Chief was the CEO, would the citizens of Salisbury, as board members of the Corporation, be content with the Police Department's productivity?
Next question if the Mayor was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SPD Corporation would he be negligent if he did not take action to better the life of the share holders of the SPD.
It is my opinion that if the Chief was at all concerned about the productivity of the Police Department, he would offer his resignation. Having offered his resignation he would be providing those most affected by his leadership or lack there of the opportunity to determine his continued employment.
There have been many calling for Chief Webster's head or at least for his voluntary resignation. Getting rid of him is probably much more difficult than it would seem. There have to be substantiated occurrences of his abuse of office and/or his incompetence. It seems clearer every day that Mayor Ireton has confidence in him and will not be swayed by a few "squeaky wheels." Many want to blame what they see as an increase in crime on the chief because of his position. When the shootings occurred at the Pemberton Apartments Saturday night, the chief's detractors blamed him. Now how in the world was he supposed to have prevented those shootings? I don't really feel strongly one way or the other about the chief's future here, but I do think he should be treated fairly.
And 5:46: Did you bother to proofread? Virtually nothing made sense!
If you read the post Anon 2:02 directed at the Sheriff's office being called three times and no one showed for 55 minutes it made total sense. To the poster of the statement. I am positive the statement is not true.
The poster is deflecting from the topic by comparing an alledged non-response from the Sheriff's office. There are measures in place that assures that does not happen. If in fact it did someones head would roll.
As for Webster what people fail to realize is this man worked many years in the Internal Affairs Div. at the Baltimore County Police Dept. I dont think he cares about popularity. I know he will not be intimidated by people crying on him. It will take cold hard facts to remove.
Webster has free legal cousel at his fingertips. He has family in the business. Webster can not control crime in the city, but he is by enlarge responsible for the morale of his people. Workers in all facets of employement do not work to thier full potential when they are not happy. The dogma of all cops cry is far from the truth some are stating the obvious and never get heard.
The S.P.D. is made up of some great people. The belief they have hired from the bottom due to pay and staff issues is not true. Those men and women are way overworked at the patrol level. I do not profess to be an exspert, I do have over twenty yaers of fighting crime. In that twenty I have been in enforcement and not Admin. So I seen my share of good and bad in this job. I do not work for S.P.D. so I can only go by what I hear and see from the outside looking in.
They need man power and tools to get the job done. The burn out rate among patrol is overwhelming at times. This is a major issue as summer comes to a close.
No one seems to be pissed at the maryland State Police that have two Troopers for the entire county most of the time. On day works they are all in courts because of the traffic case load. This is direct result of the 100 stop "Goal" No matter what M.S.P. Command wants to call this it is a pure quota. Nothing more than way to generate income for the state, yet these men and women are facing a pay cut. There is talk of closing three barracks in the state. There are bigger fish to fry than Webster. The State Polce need and deserve a better Col.
I guess until you walk a mile in a cops shoes, one does not know the strees and demand palced daily on these men and women.
The real problem is the paradighms that exist in todays policing community. It is a natural progreation from one command to the next. The community we work in is no way like it was twenty years ago. Goverment bodies wants that guy that has worked twenty or twenty-five years in the job to take over. This does not open way to the future. I think S.P.D. made ahuge mistake hiring from the outside.
I think the State Police are great if you want a Trooper mentality. The same goes for hiring an I.A.D. guy for leadership. Try to recruit a person that has proven they can keep personnel proactive and handle the rigors of keeping politicians at arms length from a job they should never interlope with. Their role should be at budget time only, or in this case with a department head would appear that he has lost his ability to lead his men and women. be it by fact or perception.
Major changes need to take place to bring S.P.D. back to the status it once had. The S.P.D. under Dykes was one of the best agencies to work for. I know at one time it was where evryone on the shore wanted to be.
Mayor Ireton do what you stated while running for office there are a lot of people watching how you handle this situation.
Delmar cop ??
The problem has become Ireton instead of Barrie. she was -- and he is -- unable to fire Webster, but for completely different reasons.
Jim Ireton:
I voted for you and want my vote back. You fibbed to us.
To fire the chief, there must first be gross offenses on the chief's part, but then it still takes the Mayor PLUS a MAJORITY of the council to vote him out.
Ain't gonna happen.
7:40, gross offenses? The lack of crime control is gross enough offense. Doesn't have to be "gross," does it? Incompetence is enough. Letting the personnel become demoralized is incompetent leadership.
But you are right. It ain't gonna happen until we, the people, change one of the three roadblock minds.
Or change one of three roadblock seats.
I will not support ANY candidate who supports this chief.
No. He's just a jerk!
Teflon = The Daily Times + Political Cronies ?
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