Elkhart detective terminated following investigation into handling of information

ELKHART, Ind. - Detective Joy Phillips, an Elkhart Police detective accused of improperly handling investigatory information, has been terminated from the department, according to the Elkhart Police Merit Commission.

The commission voted 4-1 to find that Phillips committed the offenses she was accused of, and 5-0 to terminate her.

Phillips will seek judicial review of the commission’s decision.

In 2022, Phillips filed a grievance with the Elkhart Board of Public Safety over the police department’s handling of a three-day suspension for her performance and conduct during a burglary investigation.

In a hearing for that filing, Phillips claimed the real issue was that she refused to sign an affidavit for a search warrant she believed lacked sufficient evidence and was unconstitutional under the fourth amendment.

A week after that hearing, Elkhart police officers filed two complaints against Phillips, for improperly obtaining and improperly releasing investigatory information.

Elkhart Police Department Chief Dan Milanese released the following statement in response to the decision:

“I would like to thank the Merit Commission for the dedication to their position. We feel their decision best reflects the evidence that was presented during the hearing. While we know these types of decisions are difficult to make, we appreciate the Commission’s dedication to not only the profession of law enforcement, but also the people of Elkhart.”

Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson also responded to the decision, saying:

“The administration would like to thank the Police Merit Commission for their service and their consideration of this matter. Thank you to the City of Elkhart’s legal team, specifically City Attorney Rose Rivera, for their work. We would also like to thank the former and current administration of the Elkhart Police Department for their commitment to progress, transparency, and accountability.

We never want anyone to lose their job, but we understand that this outcome is a possibility when a commitment to unparalleled service is the goal. We remain steadfast in our mission to move towards that goal at the Elkhart Police Department and I am confident our future is bright.”