SOUTH BEND – The controversy is far from over.
It’s been almost two weeks since now former South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins was demoted over an FBI investigation into the possible recordings of police department phone calls. On Monday night, the South Bend Common Council had their first meeting since this investigation surfaced.
Some Council members say they have yet to receive a satisfying explanation from Mayor Pete Buttigieg as to why he relieved the former chief from his duties. And other council members want to remind everyone that they are still pressuring the mayor to release more thorough details of the investigation.
"We all need answers, we are all looking for answers," said Councilman Henry Davis Jr. of the 2nd District.
He's on a mission to keep digging for the truth.
"We need to know exactly what's going on, and be given a timeline,” Davis said. “It seems more information is being given to the newspaper and the media versus to the Council."
The Council met in front of a meager crowd on Monday. The meeting was competing with Dyngus Day and the Silver Hawks home opener – even Buttigieg was at the game.
Even though the community didn't come out, Councilmen Davis said the only way to get results is to keep the controversy alive.
"We have to make sure we keep the mayor's feet to the fire and get him to answer the questions we all deserve," he said.
Mayor Buttigieg has been quiet on his front – tiptoeing around questions about the investigation and barely releasing any facts, saying he's not at liberty to discuss the details.
Some on the council said they'll keep pressing him for clarity.
"We're looking forward to seeing some information that it was federal investigation and this took place and that took place," Davis said.
“Has there been an official investigation or just a complaint?" said Councilman Dave Varner of the 5th District.
Varner urges the mayor to not shut the council out. He said Buttigieg needs to put all the rumors out there to rest.
"What was the thrust of the investigation?” Varner questions. “[If] you can’t tell me exactly, was it the fact that tapings were occurring or the context of conversations? I think that needs to be made clear because there are so many stories out there, and I hope the mayor takes time to do that."
The FBI and the US Attorney's Office can't discuss or confirm any investigation, so we have to trust what comes from the mayor's office and the mayor says there was a federal investigation which is now complete.
The council said there will be an executive session to discuss this – one was cancelled last week because too many Council members were out of town.
President of the Council, Derek Dieter, was not at the meeting on Monday. He has to schedule the executive session.
We reached out to the mayor's office for a response – they said he will brief the Council at any time regarding this situation – but until now, some people on the Council are still not satisfied.
