Elkhart commission approves 30-day unpaid suspension for Corporal Jordan Sears

The Elkhart Police Merit Commission voted unanimously to impose a 30-day suspension without pay on Corporal Jordan Sears following an internal investigation into unsafe driving behavior.

Elkhart Police Chief (name not specified) told the commission the department had conducted an internal investigation and that Sears had a record of related disciplinary actions. "I am recommending that... he receive a 30 day suspension without pay," the chief said, adding that Sears "took accountability" and pursued remedial training on his own. The chief also said the department will remove Sears from the take-home car program and require remedial training through January 2027.

Commissioners discussed the recommendation before taking formal action. A motion to approve the 30-day unpaid suspension was made, seconded and carried by roll call vote: Clifton Hildreth, Brad Billings, Jim Rickoff, Thomas Barber and Jean Mays all voted yes, producing a 5-0 tally.

The chief said Sears was notified and declined to request a hearing on the discipline. Separately, the chief informed the commission that Sergeant Snow has requested a hearing in a separate disciplinary matter, has retained counsel (Elizabeth Bemis of the Ruckelshaus firm), and that a charging letter and a hearing date set to begin March 19 are expected.

Following the vote on Sears, the commission moved on to the public hearing on promotion rules.