The Pinehurst City Council has voted to suspend Police Chief and Interim City Manager Stephen Stroud following serious concerns raised by the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) regarding his leadership and potential conflicts of interest.
The decision came during a regular city council meeting on Tuesday evening, after over three hours of closed-door executive session. The council’s move to suspend Stroud was made in response to allegations from TMPA, which included claims of “union busting tactics,” violations of the collective bargaining agreement, and concerns over Stroud holding dual roles within the city’s leadership.
Dozens of community members gathered at City Hall awaiting the council’s decision, underscoring the public interest in the matter. TMPA stated that approximately nine officers have departed the Pinehurst Police Department since Stroud assumed his position, with six of those former officers attending the meeting to show support for the association’s claims.
TMPA formally submitted its concerns to the city attorney, citing that Stroud’s dual roles as both police chief and interim city manager posed a direct conflict of interest and negatively impacted departmental morale.
The council has not yet announced who will assume leadership of the department in the interim.
Further updates are expected following an internal review and legal consultation regarding the next steps for city leadership.