January 1, 2023: Coakley out as KDPS chief, interim chief David Boysen in

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — After being on administrative leave since August of this year following alleged harassment complaints from KDPS and city employees, former Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley is retiring effective Sunday, January 1, 2023.

Both the City of Kalamazoo and Coakley reached a separation agreement Wednesday, December 21.  This, city officials say, follows an investigation that found allegations of harassment, including sexual harassment to be credible.

1. Summary of Separation Agreement between the City of Kalamazoo and Vernon Coakley

The “Separation Agreement and Full and Final Release” document was signed by City Manager Jim Ritsema and Chief Coakley on December 21, 2022. The following is a summary of the key points of the agreement:

1. Coakley’s employment with the City of Kalamazoo will end December 31, 2022; he will remain on paid administrative leave until that date
2. Coakley will retire effective January 1, 2023 with the standard KDPS pension package consistent with his employment agreement with the City
3. Coakley will receive a severance payment of 12 months’ salary totaling $155,250
4. Coakley will receive the standard payout of any unused sick or vacation time
5. Coakley’s separation will be listed as, “Retirement in Good Standing” for the purposes of the Law Enforcement Officer Separation of Service Record Act
6. Coakley releases the City from any future claims of possible suits, and agrees to non-disparagement of the City or its employees
7. The City and Coakley will release a mutually agreed upon joint public statement.

Coakley, who has been with KDPS for more than 24 years, was placed on leave August 16th after three women came forward with complaints of sexual harassment and verbal abuse. One of them being a KDPS employee.

He was sworn in as Police Chief on October 1st, 2020, replacing Karianne Thomas who was fired as chief over criticism about how the department handled racial inequity protests, downtown vandalism and a Proud Boys rally.

David Boysen, who had been serving as the interim chief while Coakley was on leave, is set to take over as KDPS Chief in 2023.

“I want to start by strongly emphasizing that allegations involving any kind of harassment are taken very seriously, and the City of Kalamazoo will always fully investigate any claims as required by law and the City’s personnel policies,” said City Manager Jim Ritsema. “These last few months have been difficult, and we now must move forward. However, I believe the negotiated settlement is the right decision for all involved. To those employees who brought forth these allegations, I thank you for bravely coming forward. The process was long, but necessary to gather all the facts and to ensure that those involved were treated with the measure of due process as required by law.  Chief Boysen is the right person to lead our KDPS team and I know that he, and the nearly 300 employees of KDPS, will continue to work every day to keep our community safe.”

“The City of Kalamazoo is strong, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to continue the good work that’s being done to improve the quality of life in our city, said City of Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson.  “This effort includes the work done by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to strengthen community relations and enhance overall safety.  We maintain full trust in KDPS and all KDPS officers under the leadership of Chief David Boysen, and we know that their good work will continue in the community.”