Hunter
07/26/24
North Liberty Chief of Police Diane Venenga is back at work after an investigation determined her actions did not violate any law, were not malicious, and didn’t fail to protect officer safety.
A release from the City says in March, North Liberty arranged for an independent investigation led by attorney Jason Palmer of Lamson, Dugan & Murray following a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Venenga by its police unions. Among their claims were poor communications, hypocritical decision-making, and the inability to hire and retain officers.
After the unanimous vote, City Administrator Ryan Heier requested a meeting with individual officers and Chief Venenga, but members of the city’s Officer and Sergeant’s Union didn’t feel comfortable meeting with the chief for fear of retaliation. Venenga was placed on leave pending the results of the investigation.
Although the three-month-long probe found no wrongdoing on the Chief’s part, it did find a need to significantly improve communication and rebuild trust within the North Liberty Police Department.
Venenga will return from leave to her role as Chief of Police immediately. She says she is committed to changing the culture within the North Liberty Police Department, benefiting its police officers, staff and, ultimately, the greater North Liberty community.
Mayor Chris Hoffman, Administrator Heiar and members of the North Liberty City Council say they remain committed to supporting Chief Venenga and any employees who will be involved in these improvements.
In the release, Venenga said, “I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with our officers to move the department forward in a positive direction.”
A union statement after the ruling said, ”Although we do not agree with the decision made by the city of North Liberty, It is our promise to continue to provide you with the best service possible.“