'Serious' Lapses During Police Chief's Time On Job: Flossmoor Mayor

FLOSSMOOR, IL — In the wake of public uproar about the rumored firing of the town's well-liked police chief, Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson spoke out Thursday, citing "serious operational and administrative lapses" in his performance during his brief time in the role.

Chief Jerel Jones was hired in March 2023, following the departure of former chief Tod Kamleiter, who retired in December 2022 after nearly three decades with the department. Jones is the department's first Black police chief.

"There has been much discussion this week in the community about the current leadership of the Flossmoor Police Department," Nelson wrote in a statement. "It has taken place in town, online, in the news media and, most notably, at Monday's Village Board meeting.

"Personnel matters should not be discussed in public for several reasons, most importantly for the privacy of the employee. Because of the misinformation surrounding Chief Jones, I am compelled to make this statement."

Nelson went on to say Jones is likeable, and that he and the department have focused on community building. Noting misinformation spreading among the community, Nelson called it understandable that the community is speaking up.

"It has been disappointing, however, that the public conversation has been so devoid of facts," Nelson said. "So, because this matter is tearing at our community, I need to take this opportunity to provide residents with some context, based on valid, credible information, not rumor."

Nelson continued to say that in hiring Jones, Village officials believed "he would guide the men and women of the Flossmoor Police Department professionally and capably."

"When performance issues arise, it is our responsibility to communicate those concerns to that employee and provide them with guidance and resources so they can be successful in their role," Nelson said. "When a leader of a critical department is not meeting expectations, the ripple effect can adversely impact the entire department."

Officials alerted Jones to performance concerns "on several occasions," Nelson said.

"I wish I could be more specific about these concerns, but it is not my desire to do so out of respect for Chief Jones and for this process in general," she continued.

"... What I can tell you is that there have been serious operational and administrative lapses under his watch. In totality, I believe these lapses mean that our residents are not receiving the level of public safety services they expect and deserve. Based on that conclusion, it has become clear that it is best for the Village if all parties part ways."

Officials "will move quickly and responsibly because we know that there are few things more important to us than delivering top-quality public safety services to the residents we proudly serve," Nelson wrote.

Nelson also clarified there is no intent to remove Deputy Chief Taylor.

Prior to joining the Flossmoor department, Jones served as police chief for the Macomb Police Department beginning in May 2021, also making history as that city's first Black chief of police.

Jones and his wife, Brandy, and their two children are Chicago natives.

In Jones' hiring announcement, the Village said he believes "in positive change for our modern-day society and local communities," and "proactively promotes fairness, impartiality, transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusivity; and fosters consistent community engagement to build police and community trust."