MANCHESTER, Mo. — The City of Manchester accepted the resignation of Police Chief Scott Will on Monday, weeks after he was placed on paid leave due to an ongoing investigation.
Will was placed on administrative leave in July as part of an "ongoing independent investigation," but the city has not provided any information on why he was being investigated.
When announcing his placement on leave last month, Manchester communications specialist Darin Wernig only said that the investigation did not concern unauthorized use of the Regional Justice Information System. Doug Schaeffer, the former police chief in nearby Ballwin, was terminated earlier this year amid allegations he misused the system, among other accusations.
According to a news release from the city, Will will receive payment of his salary and health benefit contributions for accrued vacation days through Aug. 31, then receive $6,922.04 for the rest of his accrued but unused vacation days.
As part of the resignation, both Will and the city agreed to non-disparagement agreements.
Lt. Ed Skaggs, who has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience, was appointed as acting police chief when Will was placed on administrative leave.
The release from the city said it has initiated a search for a new chief.
"The search process will be thorough and inclusive, seeking input from City stakeholders, elected officials and staff to identify the best candidate for the role," the release said.