Another top officer is departing the Bloomington Police Department after more than 25 years with the department.
Assistant Chief Chad Wamsley first joined BPD as a patrol officer in 2001. His focus turned to professional standards in 2014 while he was still a sergeant. Wamsley was promoted to assistant chief in 2019 and leads the department's Office of Professional Standards, overseeing citizen complains and internal investigations. Wamsley additionally serves as the department's liaison to the city's Public Safety and Community Relations Board [PSCRB], providing monthly reports on department staffing, use of force and select cases involving automated license plate readers.
The City of Bloomington confirmed Oct. 16 will be Wamsley's final day. In a public statement on social media, City Manager Jeff Jurgens said he has been named a deputy commander of the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center. The Decatur-based center houses police and corrections officer academies and other training programs.
"I cannot think of a better person to help develop the next generation of law enforcement professionals," Jurgens said. "Congratulations, Chad, on an outstanding career with BPD and this well-deserved next chapter. The City of Bloomington, IL is better because of your service!"
Wamsley is the second assistant chief to retire from the Bloomington Police Department in recent weeks, following Paul Williams' departure after 39 years on the force. Williams was on administrative leave pending the results of a lawsuit and internal investigation into alleged misconduct during a June traffic stop.
Wamsley is also the subject of a separate pending federal lawsuit, named as a co-defendant with Williams, Police Chief Jamal Simington and the City of Bloomington. That involves the firing of a BPD sergeant, Timmothy Carlton, which he alleges was retaliatory.
In the wake of Williams' retirement announcement, Lt. James Clesson was promoted to assistant chief, according to a social media post by Deputy City Manager Sue McLaughlin. Clesson has assisted Wamsley with PSCRB. When asked if he would now be leading the Office of Professional Standards, a city spokesperson said, "As far as I know, nothing else has been announced."
