Shortly after Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada’s resignation was announced Friday, the county’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report stating that an executive at the police department violated department policy and county code by being absent from work without taking leave and providing false information during an official investigation.
“The investigation substantiated violations of county and MCPD expectations regarding time away from work, without taking appropriate leave or adjusting his schedule as required by MCPD policy,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in the statement announcing the change in leadership.
Elrich said he requested Yamada’s resignation after the Inspector General’s report was finalized.
“More concerning to me were the findings regarding the accuracy of the Chief’s statements to the IG during the investigation,” Elrich said.
The investigation began after complaints were received through an OIG hotline. The complainants alleged that the MCPD executive and several other high-ranking police officials attending a police foundation golf tournament while “on the clock” and consumed alcohol while there. The MCPD executive admitted to drinking two alcoholic beverages during the investigation, which is not a violation if an employee is off duty, according to the Inspector General’s report.
But, the OIG report also found that the executive provided false information during the investigation interviews by claiming not to have chosen a related family member, also employed by the county, to travel with them to an out-of-state work conference. In addition, the police department executive directed that a county vehicle be given to an employee at the County Attorney’s Office without issuing guidelines for usage. The vehicle was subsequently used for personal matters by that county-employee. The OIG released a report on vehicle misuse Sept. 11, which MCM reported on earlier this week.
“Trust and integrity are fundamental to public service, particularly for those entrusted with leading our police department,” Elrich stated. “We expect our employees to follow established policies, and we have an even greater responsibility to hold those in leadership positions to the highest standards. Based on the findings of this investigation, I determined that a change in leadership was necessary.”
County Councilmember Will Jawando, who is working on an adjusted schedule following a heart attack less than a week ago, also issued a statement saying he is “deeply disappointed” in the report’s findings.
“The report also identifies broader weaknesses in policies and internal controls, including time and attendance practices and supervisory review, and makes five recommendations for improvement. I intend to review those recommendations closely and work to ensure that the necessary safeguards are strengthened going forward,” Jawando stated.
The five recommendations are:
1. The County, with its attorneys, determine whether to recover the equivalent of 40 hours of pay from the executive.
2. The County clarify expectations about time and attendance, use of leave and other prohibitions/restrictions that may apply to people exempt from the personnel regulations.
3. The county police department update policy to require all supervisors to review and approve timecards to be consistent with the County’s Payroll Policies.
4. The County implement a policy clarifying when employees can attend social events during work hours without taking leave
5. The county police department review assignment of cars to civilian staff to ensure compliance with policy
Assistant Chief Darren Francke will serve as acting police chief while the county searches for a permanent replacement.
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Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada resigns, acting chief named
