Evan and Staff

It was with great sadness that I resigned my position as Chief of Police for the City of Meridian, Texas effective immediately today at 2pm.

This was done for a number of reasons;

#1 During the time that I have been Chief of Police, I have had staffing problems. It is unfair to expect anyone to work( including being on call) 84 hours a week. The city has had a problem keeping Law Enforcement staff due to long hours. These include David Pack and Kyle Williams who both left due to long hours worked with little time off. They both went to work for the Bosque County SO.

#2 Just like the above mentioned people I felt that my hours were too long. Since I have been appointed Chief of Police, I have missed family gatherings, Xmas with my family, and other events.

#3 In March of 2006 I came to Meridian looking for a Law Enforcement Job. I was employed as a Police Officer until December of that year when former Chief of Police Albert Biggs resigned. I was then asked if I would assume his position. I told the city staff at that point that I had only been a patrol officer in my 23 years previous experience and had no knowledge or desire to be a supervisor in my past. I elected to take the role offered me to see how I felt after a year, then reevaluate.

#4 The inability of Mayor Jeff Keese to allow me to make my own decisions regarding the operation of the Police Department and its functions. Mayor Keese has on several occasions driven marked city police vehicles for his own pleasure. This alone has caused the Meridian Police Department to be the subject of jokes from citizens and surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Scott H. Martin

You are welcome to call me at my home
[Phone Number Omitted]