Lorain Police Chief James McCann will retire on September 15, 2025, under the terms of a separation agreement negotiated after an internal investigation found he violated department ethics and conduct rules. The agreement allows McCann to remain on paid administrative duty until his retirement date, avoiding a formal suspension that had been recommended by the city’s Safety/Service Director.
According to documents obtained by Lorain Daily, the matter stems from a November 18, 2024, incident in which McCann reportedly told a subordinate, Detective Payne, that he “wished he was a dirty cop” because he “needed someone taken care of.” Although the Office of Professional Standards determined that the remark did not constitute criminal behavior, it was deemed unacceptable, inappropriate, and unprofessional for someone in McCann’s position.
Following the incident, the City of Lorain issued a Notice of Pre-Disciplinary Hearing, citing several violations of the Lorain Police Department’s Standards of Conduct and Ethics and Professional Behavior rules. These included:
- Standards of Conduct 320.5.2: Failure to abide by ethical standards
- Standards of Conduct 320.5.8: Disparaging remarks that disrupt department efficiency or discredit its members
- Ethics and Professional Behavior 305: Non-protective speech or behavior detracting from the department’s effectiveness
- Additional violations involving conduct that compromises a member’s position or brings the department into disrepute
McCann waived his right to appear at the disciplinary hearing scheduled for June 23, 2025. By doing so, he accepted the city’s statement of facts as true. He also signed a Garrity Warning, which acknowledged his duty to answer administrative questions while preserving his constitutional protections against self-incrimination in any potential criminal matter.
The Safety/Service Director concluded that McCann had violated the cited conduct standards and ordered a three-day suspension without pay. However, this penalty was not enforced. Instead, the City offered McCann a mutual separation agreement, allowing him to retire in September in exchange for waiving the suspension and avoiding litigation.
Under the terms of the separation agreement:
- McCann will remain in an administrative role with full pay and benefits until September 15
- He will not reapply for employment with the City of Lorain
- The city will process all inquiries about his departure as a voluntary retirement
- McCann will be allowed to retain his badge and may purchase his service weapon
- He must return all other city-owned property
The agreement also includes a broad release of claims in which McCann agrees not to bring legal action against the city, its officials, or its employees over his employment or separation. The release covers any claims under federal or state law, including civil rights statutes, employment discrimination laws, and tort claims. The city, in turn, waives any claims it might have against McCann related to his time in office.
McCann also agreed to cooperate in the event of any future litigation involving the city. He is required to provide updated contact information and make himself available for depositions, interviews, or testimony as needed.
In a retirement letter dated June 25, 2025, McCann informed Safety/Service Director Rey Carrion that his decision to retire was final and not subject to rescission. A joint public statement issued by the City of Lorain and Chief McCann thanked him for his 34 years of service and highlighted his contributions to departmental technology, community partnerships, and law enforcement leadership.
While the statement characterized his departure as a retirement, city documents confirm it followed a disciplinary process and a formal finding of misconduct.