Hunter
04/12/23
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman is now retired, after the City Council signed off on a severance agreement.
The Gazette reports Jerman turned 66 years old last month and aged out of his officer certification. His separation agreement includes 12 months’ salary, accrued and unused flex leave and reimbursement of expenses, totaling over $241,000.
The chief had been on paid administrative leave after the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy inquired about whether he’d stay on with the city as a non-certified public safety director or another civilian role. According to the Academy, all police officer certifications expire after age 65. Jerman reached age 66 on March 4.
The newspaper reported unions representing Cedar Rapids law enforcement officials told City Manager Jeff Pomeranz they opposed having a civilian police department head. Mike Bailey, president of the Cedar Rapids Police Bargaining Union, said Jerman’s performance as chief wasn’t the issue. He wrote, “This unique situation should not cause the City to abandon its commitment to having the police department led by a uniformed chief.”
Deputy Chief Tom Jonker has been serving as acting police chief since March 9. Details on a search for a new chief have not been released.