Body camera footage of an altercation between former Maysville Police Department (MPD) Chief Michael Palmer and MPD Major Chris Conley has recently become accessible to the public. The footage, which depicts the two men in what appears to be a heightened conversation following an alleged physical assault by Palmer, was followed by a formal complaint issued by Conley stating that this behavior was not unprecedented.
According to Conley and Maysville City Manager Matt Wallingford, the incident took place on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., and began with a conversation concerning an arrest that had been made by the MPD.
Conley’s letter of complaint states that the arrest had resulted in a charge of felon being in possession of a handgun. Palmer reportedly questioned Conley’s “handling of social media content related to arrests,” to which Conley replied that his posts regarding arrests had been consistent for three years, regardless of the charges, stating, “I have limited these criminal postings to include but not limited to, high-priority public safety issues such as gun and narcotics offenses.” Further, Conley notes that Palmer had not shared like concerns in the past, even when dealing with similar circumstances.
Conley adds, “Chief Palmer told me that his wife and Chaplain Tony Liess should not have to take calls regarding who is being shared on the department Facebook page.”
Conley’s letter states that Palmer then became angry, causing Conley to become “extremely uncomfortable” and attempt to de-escalate the situation by leaving the room.
It was here, Conley’s letter alleges, that “Chief Palmer then physically grabbed me by both vest straps, near the shoulders of my shirt, and restrained me while yelling at this officer in a fit of rage.”
The body camera footage begins here. It is 42 seconds long and appears to begin shortly after the alleged physical altercation occurred. In the footage, which is recorded from Palmer’s perspective, the two are within close proximity to each other and are speaking with raised voices. Conley can be heard stating, “You’re not gonna touch me,” and “We’re going over to City Hall. You’re not gonna grab me,” as he leads Palmer out of the building.
In the video, Palmer admits to touching Conley twice, stating “I apologize for putting my hands on you,” while claiming that Conley was at fault for approaching him.
Palmer can also be heard asking Conley, “You want my job, Chris? Why do you wanna do that, Chris?” as he is led out of the building. Conley denies wanting Palmer’s job. The body cam footage ends shortly afterward.
Conley’s letter and Wallingford’s official response affirm that after the altercation, Conley and Palmer visited Wallingford and gave their accounts of the incident, during which Palmer again admitted to touching the other officer.
Conley states, “I then expressed that the department is suffering from low morale and ongoing dysfunction directly related to Chief Palmer’s conduct. I made it clear that I can no longer serve under his supervision.”
Afterward, Wallingford reportedly ordered Conley and Palmer to return home.
Wallingford’s formal response to Conley’s complaint states that he requested Conley and Palmer meet him again the next day. On Oct. 24, Conley, Palmer, Wallingford and MPD Chaplain Tony Liess met at the Emergency Operations Center to discuss the situation. Palmer provided another oral account, while Conley submitted his formal complaint to Wallingford.
According to Wallingford, Conley was excused shortly afterward. Palmer then requested that he be allowed to retire, to which Wallingford agreed and told Palmer that he would help finalize things.
Wallingford’s response to Conley concludes: “As stated to you on a phone call at approximately 9:30am on 10/24/2025, as I see it, with Chief Palmer requesting to retire, this issue is over. I completely understand and respect any further movement on this issue that you pursue.”
The MPD officially announced Palmer’s retirement on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. Palmer had served on the MPD for 23 years, becoming Chief in 2022. Prior to his time with the MPD, Palmer served in the Army National Guard during Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991). Additionally, he recently received an award from community leaders at the Star Spangled Celebration held by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in recognition of his service.
When asked why he retired, Palmer did not cite any specific reason, simply stating that he believed it was time.
“It’s definitely a decision I did not take lightly, but it will be good,” he said in an interview.
In a separate statement following Palmer’s retirement, Wallingford expressed, “They’ve got great people over there, and Chief Palmer is a very dear friend of mine and I wish him the absolute best in his retirement. Ever since I’ve been in this role in 2016, the chiefs have done phenomenal. The chief could be out and that force is not going to miss a beat. Obviously, Chief Palmer retired on Dec. 1, so, indefinitely, Major Conley, as the Assistant Chief, is the highest-ranking officer, so he is basically in charge of the force for the time being. We have already advertised for the position of police chief, and we have closed that advertisement.”
Conley has served as Interim Police Chief for the MPD since Palmer’s retirement.
In his complaint, Conley alleges that Wallingford knew of Palmer’s behavior prior to the altercation on Oct. 24, 2025, claiming that his letter follows “repeated efforts” to document similar issues through “direct communications” with the office of the City Manager and Human Resources; “Conversations which have been independent of you both, with both of you present, in private, and in group settings.”
Conley further claims that, following said communications, Palmer’s hostility toward him had increased, “suggesting retaliatory intent.”
He then cites the Stay Surveys taken anonymously by members of the MPD in March and April of 2025 as further examples of Palmer’s actions, claiming that no corrective action has been taken.
Of the 29 responses to the survey, 18 of them criticize the MPD’s “leadership,” and at least half of those responses refer to Palmer by name. Several accounts refer to the physical and verbal behavior described by Conley and claim that city leadership is aware of the situation.
One response claims that “the top leader of our department” is combative with other MPD service members, at times reacting with an “explosive behavior that includes cursing you and slamming his fist on the desk in which he has done to several employees and past employees.” Another response alleges that members of the MPD are not allowed to speak to City Hall employees without permission; if they do, they are reprimanded. A third claims that MPD service members are not allowed to speak to Human Resources without approval.
Multiple responses within the survey note that MPD service members frequently caution each other against approaching Palmer because of his “mood.”
Ultimately, Conley’s formal complaint alleges that Palmer’s behavior has caused “workplace violence, retaliation, unprofessional conduct, bullying, and unsafe and hostile work environment.”
He further claims that Palmer’s actions violate OSHA 29 U.S.C. 654, which states that employers have a duty to provide a workplace free of “recognized hazards,” including violence; Whistleblower Protection Act, 5 U.S.C. 2302 (b)(8), which protects employees who report misconduct or abuse of authority in public spaces; the City of Maysville Personnel Manual, section on Workplace Bullying; and the Maysville Police Department Policy and Procedure 1-7 on Employee Discipline, Category III, Section I.
“Supervisors are to uphold professional standards, treat subordinates with respect, and refrain from any form of physical confrontation,” Conley expressed. “Had these protections been actively enforced and prior complaints properly addressed, this incident of physical contact and escalating hostility could have been prevented.”
Conley requested that there be an investigation into the altercation and any further misconduct committed by Palmer, alleging that his behavior is known to “most officers of the Maysville Police Department” and “all in city leadership.” He also requested that there be no retaliation against him or any witnesses under whistleblower protections, and that the City Management office provide a written response and summary of any corrective actions taken in accordance with City policy.
“Please also consider Maysville Police Department Policy and Procedures 1-2, Rules of Conduct, which defines moral turpitude,” he stated. “Officers are held to this standard when considering members of the community at large. Moral turpitude is defined as an intentional act or behavior displayed in words or actions which violate public morals or the common sense of the community. Has Chief Palmer violated public trust in this action?”
Conley’s initial request for an investigation was denied by Wallingford in his formal response, filed on Oct. 24, 2025.
Conley continued: “In conclusion, I take no pleasure in submitting this complaint but feel compelled to do so for the safety, integrity, and operational effectiveness of our police department. I want nothing to do but come to work and serve the citizens of Maysville. I am tired of walking on pins and needles to determine what kind of mood Chief Palmer may be in and am tired of hearing subordinates complain about Chief Palmer’s attitude and behavior as well. Chief Palmer has crossed the line.”
The appointment of a new Police Chief will be made by Wallingford and the Maysville City Commissioners.
This story will be updated pending further information.
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