NORRISTOWN — Embattled Norristown Police Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, municipality leadership announced Monday, days after she was offered a severance package.
Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner issued the following statement Monday afternoon:
“This decision was made after careful consideration and is not taken lightly. The municipality recognizes the complexities and challenges associated with leadership in public service and remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability while respecting the confidentiality of personnel matters.
“While we cannot comment on specific details related to Chief Bailey-Davis’s leave at this time, we want to reaffirm our commitment to public safety, collaboration, and addressing the concerns of our community.
“The council and municipal leadership are focused on maintaining stability within the police department and supporting its ongoing efforts to serve the residents of Norristown effectively.
“We ask for the community’s understanding and patience as we navigate this matter. Our priority remains to uphold the trust of our residents and ensure the safety and well-being of all who visit, have businesses in Norristown and call Norristown home.”
Daily operations within the police department will continue as normal, according to the statement.
The actions come just 11 months after Bailey-Davis was sworn-in as Norristown police chief on Jan. 2 this year, becoming the first Black female to hold the post. Rumors of a troubled relationship within borough leadership began circulating several months ago and came to a head last week in a heated public meeting.
On Friday, Municipal Council President Thomas Lepera confirmed that “the chief was offered a severance” on Thursday. It was not clear if she had accepted it. She remained on official duty as chief through the weekend until the announcement of the administrative leave.
The severance offer followed rising tension in recent months, culminating with a crowded council meeting last Tuesday in which people spoke out in support of the chief and also in support of Fire Chief Tom O'Donnell who had served as interim municipal administrator part of this year.
A number of firefighters and other O'Donnell supporters came out to the council work session last week to champion his leadership and character, while others at that meeting said they were there to support Bailey-Davis.
According to the Monday statement, the police chief is “charged with leading the Norristown Police Department’s approximately 60 sworn officers and over 30 civilian staff who work to protect over 35,000 residents of the municipality.”
Officials and Bailey-Davis have declined further comment, citing confidentiality regarding personnel matters.