Last week, Police Chief Hollie Chadwick of Henderson, Nevada was placed on administrative leave following reported encounters with union members, as indicated by news reports. 

City officials allegedly instructed her to accept a buyout or face termination. According to local media, Chadwick has until March 6 to declare whether she will formally resign. 

Injustices in Employment Practices 

Recent reports indicated that a local police labor organization, the Henderson Police Supervisor Association (HPSA), accused Chadwick of engaging in “union busting” and committing an “unfair labor practice.” 

The labor organization seems to have been urging city officials to take action regarding Chadwick.

"The city’s decision was not unexpected and was a long time coming,” Andrew Regenbaum, executive director of the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers, told Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

“The unions look forward to healing the divides that were created within the department and moving ahead collaboratively,” Regenbaum added.

According to KVVU, a Las Vegas TV station, the HPSA alleges that its president, Lt. Charles Hedrick, was the target of Chadwick’s anti-union efforts. 

In December, a complaint was lodged against Chadwick by the HPSA. Hedrick’s use of leave days for union activities sparked controversy. It resulted in him receiving extra hours. 

City officials are said to believe that the police chief can refuse union leave if it adversely affects business operations. Chadwick dismissed allegations that she was targeting Hedrick. 

Clarity Required 

The dispute regarding Chadwick prompted Henderson residents to call for greater transparency from city officials concerning the facts, as reported by Las Vegas TV station KTNV.

"It’s a little upsetting because nobody knows what’s happening,” Amy Terry, one Henderson resident told KTNV. “As a citizen, I think it’s important for everybody to know why, and the fact that they said that she needs to resign or she’s going to be fired like that doesn’t feel good.”

According to KLAS, Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox was unaware of Chadwick’s situation until it transpired. 

“If we do not have effective public safety and we don’t take care of our first responders, and we don’t have enough first responders, then we’re in trouble as a city,” Cox told KLAS.

"And that goes to leadership. So, to have our department rocked in this way without any warning or any explanation, I just feel like it needed to be handled differently.”

Chadwick took office as the Henderson police chief on May 1, 2023. 

She initially became a member of the department in August 2002. With her increased experience, Chadwick became a training officer and a negotiator. She was appointed sergeant in 2011 and advanced to lieutenant in 2015. In 2019, she was appointed as a captain. 

Itzhak Henn is presently serving as the acting chief of police for Henderson. 

Change in Police Leadership 

In recent years, Henderson has experienced several police chiefs. Chadwick was the ninth police chief of the city in only 25 years, as reported by KLAS. 

Thedrick Andres served as chief from 2019 to 2023. His behavior prompted the Henderson Police Officers’ Association and the HPSA to conduct a no-confidence vote concerning Andres, as reported in the news. He ultimately stepped down. 

Letesha Watson served as the police chief from 2017 to 2019. She was dismissed by the city in 2019. From 2012 to 2017, Patrick Moers served as the chief of police. Moers departed following claims of sexual harassment. 

Both Watson and Moers have filed a lawsuit against the city.