NASHVILLE, Ind. — The police chief in Nashville, Indiana is searching for answers after she was removed from her position by the Nashville Town Council Monday afternoon.
During the public meeting on Aug. 26, the council announced its executive decision to remove Chief Heather Burris due to her "performance" observed in an investigation that lasted at least six months.
"We are a very small department in a small town," said a woman on the council. "Over 60% of our budget goes to our police department. We cannot afford to do anything that is not helping the residents of this town. Right now, we don't feel the residents are getting the best protection."
13News obtained the document shared by Dr. Wanda Jones, the attorney representing the Nashville Town Council.
It outlines five main concerns over the course of several months:
- Lack of overall police presence during busy tourist hours
- Lack of foot patrols by Nashville Police
- Officers using patrol cars for personal use
- Too much overtime
- Burris living '68 miles' from Nashville
"The council very carefully investigated the situation," Jones said. "They did try to remedy it by working with Heather, and it did not work out. The town council members felt that they took the only action that was available to them, and they also feel that it's unfortunate, but sometimes, these things just don't work out."
During Monday's meeting, the discussion to remove Burris and appoint an interim chief lasted two minutes.
After the announcement, the council opened the floor up to Nashville community members to speak. Everyone who spoke supported Burris.
Here's what some of them said:
- "Outrageous, this woman has done her job. She's done it beyond sometimes her capacity. She handles thousands and thousands of villagers. We need her."
- "I'm ashamed that we are sitting here even having this discussion knowing she's done all she has. I've been watching her fight for people and fight for what's right for her entire life."
- "I also find it interesting that you took the vote before you heard from the people. That doesn't make any sense to me at all."
"The public comment was basically along the lines that Officer Burris was relatively good at being a community officer," Jones said, "but unfortunately, she did not take care of the police issues, and that was the problem."
Burris allegedly found out about her removal via a letter. Those who spoke out at the meeting mentioned wanting to see the letter because they believe the situation is "corrupt."
The council announced Patrol Sergeant Daniel Scott Bowling will serve as interim police chief.
"It was kind of a shock, yes," Bowling said.
He said Burris' contract had expired in December 2023. Since then, the town council was debating whether or not to extend her contract.
"As time went on, I think the feeling was that they would not need to renew the contract," Jones said.
At the very end of Monday's meeting, Burris got her chance to speak and thanked those who came to support her.
"I am very grateful and appreciative for all of you that came to stand up and support me," Burris said. "The community is what brings me here and keeps me going. Without the community and without the support, I would not be able to be successful. That means more to me than anything. No matter the outcome of this, this will not change who I am at the core."
Burris started her public safety career in 2008 as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. In 2015, she attended the IMPD training academy, where she graduated with the 12th IMPD recruit class in 2016. She took over as Nashville's chief of police in 2022.
For Bowling, he said his priority is keeping Nashville safe.
"Whatever I think is going to be best for the community and getting officers on the road out here," Bowling said.
Bowling said Burris will continue to serve the town as an officer with Nashville Metropolitan Police Department.
“She’s committed to this community, and she wants to continue to be," Bowling said. "I have no hard feelings toward her. She has none towards me. Hopefully she stays here for awhile.”
Bowling added, "She's tough. To go through what she just went through and still want to stick around and be here, that says a lot about her character. I'd been gone."
Brown County is approximately 60 miles south of downtown Indianapolis.