City ousts southern Indiana police chief, names assistant chief as interim

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Madison Police Department is now under new leadership.

Mayor Bob Courtney announced Tuesday that Shawn Scudder will no longer serve as chief of police "effective immediately."

Assistant Chief of Police Rick Mundt, a 30-year veteran of the department, will now serve as interim police chief.

Courtney said Mundt has held multiple leadership roles throughout his career, and is bringing years of experience to the leadership position.

"The safety and wellbeing of our residents remain our top priority," Courtney said in a Facebook post on the City of Madison page. "We are grateful to the men and women of the Madison Police Department for their ongoing commitment to protecting our community. As we move forward, I have full confidence in Assistant Chief Mundt's leadership. I will continue to support our officers and ensure that essential public safety services remain strong and effective."

The City of Madison will begin the process of selecting a new permanent police chief in the coming weeks.

No reason for the leadership change was given. In a statement to WDRB Oct. 17, Courtney said Scudder was reassigned to the rank of police sergeant, per state law, but resigned entirely from the department.

"Public safety is a high priority for my administration, and I felt new leadership was needed at this time," Courtney's statement continued. "Interim CHief Mundt is a career officer with MPD and I have full confidence in his leadership as we begin the recruitment process."

WDRB has requested a copy of any termination letter or other documents pertaining to Scudder's removal as chief, as well as copies of his employment files, but has not yet received a response to an open records request.

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