The act of confirming the hiring of a Jonesboro Police Officer that had been working for several weeks was expected to be a routine part of the Jonesboro Board of Aldermen meeting. Only it wasn’t.
Instead, to the shock of many in attendance, it was decided by a 3-2 vote of the five person panel to not hire Stacey Treadway to the Jonesboro Police Force during the session held on Tuesday evening at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center.
“I am disappointed that we are losing an officer who has the experience Stacey has, not because of laws as what is being used as the excuse, but because of personal vendettas,” said Councilperson Nia Johnson. “We are supposed to be working for the best interest of the town.”
When the motion to hire Treadway was introduced it was quickly seconded but when asked if any discussion was needed, Councilman Robert Hunter took the floor citing a document he stated was “state law” that proclaimed the hiring by Police Chief Israel Smith and Mayor J. “Spike” Harris wasn’t done right.
JPD Asst. Chief Warren Johnson then read a provision of the Lawrason Act, which Louisiana municipalities are governed by which stated that the Police Chief and Mayor had the right to hire an officer and then bring before the Board of Aldermen for approval.
A vote was then held with Council members Nia Johnson and James Ginn voting to approve the hiring and Devin Flowers, Hunter and Robbie Siadek voting no.
“What Councilman Hunter cited was in actuality was a state police policy and not pertinent to the legal procedure of hiring an officer ” said Mayor Harris who later in his comments at the end of the meeting instructed Treadway to report to his office on Wednesday morning.
“Officer Treadway, has been exceptional in performing her duties,” said Harris. “We need a person of her experience, so I am going to hire her as the Compliance Officer for Jonesboro.. I don’t need council approval for that.”
In additional action the Board of Aldermen agreed to adopt Resolution 2023-17 which in regard to the Jonesboro Airport f-88 Main Apron Improvements Project as well as a Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for governmental audit engagements.
Police Chief Israel Smith also took the podium to first thank Mark Treadway of the State Fire Marshal Office for his help with work done in the town and to present framed certificates to three members of the JPD who recently earned their post certification. Being honored for their accomplishment was Harry Woolridge, Serena Jackson and Asst. Chief Warren Johnson.
2023 Police Academy Graduates
You know, we try to keep up with Jonesboro because it was home for so many years as nd when Dad was Mayor, the Council always got along with the Mayor, now this is a total disaster. It’s embarrassing to read this. PITIFUL and disgusting.