The city’s police chief gained new powers this week to appoint the highest-ranking officers in a move critics said would subject the 48-officer department to the ravages of politics.
The City Council approved the administrative changes, recommended by the current chief of seven years, James Roche, in a 9-3 vote.
Roche argued that under the old system, in which an independent three-member Board of Commissioners did all promoting in the department, his ability to build a cohesive management team was restricted.
The change allows the chief to appoint up to two deputy chiefs. The new positions will replace the current rank of lieutenant, of which there are two.
Roche’s plan also creates a new management rank of commander, who will oversee the department’s nine sergeants.
“The board of police and fire commissioners has done a good job for years. I don’t see why we had to replace them,” said Ald. Walter Foulkes, who voted against the change. “Promotions will become political, a matter of a popularity contest.”
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Illinois law dicatates that most small municipalities use an independent board to handle hiring, firing and promoting within police department.
But St. Charles became a home-rule community earlier this year when its population rose above 25,000, allowing the city to make the change.