By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor has responded to allegations of retaliation, abuse of authority and a toxic workplace.
In written responses to questions from investigative reporter Tammy Rose, Traylor defended his leadership and explained his departure from the department.
He also revealed a surprising development involving former Manvel Police Captain Chris Day.
Traylor claims Day wants to withdraw his complaint against him. He also says Day has applied to work for him again at the Clute Police Department.
Those claims raise new questions about the dispute that preceded Traylor’s departure from Manvel.
Former Manvel police chief explains departure
Traylor maintains that he voluntarily retired after 13 years with the City of Manvel.
“I left the Manvel Police Department to retire from the City of Manvel,” Traylor wrote.
He described his decision as difficult because of his relationships with employees and residents.
However, city records previously obtained by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
reveal a different side of his departure.
A September 10, 2026, notice outlined the city’s proposal to terminate Traylor’s employment.
The city later reached a separation agreement with Traylor. That agreement included language describing his departure as retirement.
Traylor’s latest explanation does not directly address the earlier proposed termination notice.
Traylor disputes retaliation allegations
Former Captain Chris Day filed a seven-page complaint on September 3, 2026.
The complaint raised allegations involving retaliation, abuse of authority and workplace conditions.
Traylor disputes those allegations.
He argues that dissatisfied former employees drove the complaints.
Traylor also claims current department employees do not share those concerns.
However, he did not identify those employees in his written response.
Former chief calls for independent investigation
Traylor says an independent investigation could provide additional context.
He believes such a review would present a more balanced account of the complaint.
Traylor also claims several current Manvel employees contacted him after his departure.
According to Traylor, those employees expressed frustration with the complaint and the city’s handling of the situation.
His response does not establish whether the city conducted an independent investigation into every allegation.
Traylor claims Chris Day wants to withdraw complaint
One of the most significant developments involves Traylor’s relationship with Chris Day.
Traylor says Day contacted him during the past three weeks.
The two reportedly discussed the investigation that preceded Day’s dismissal and the allegations against Traylor.
“We have since resolved his concerns,” Traylor wrote.
Traylor further claims Day asked the Manvel city manager to withdraw the complaint against him.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose has not independently confirmed that request.
Day’s original complaint remains an important part of the documented dispute, regardless of whether he now seeks its withdrawal.
Former captain reportedly applies to Clute Police Department
Traylor also revealed another development involving Day.
Since taking an interim leadership position at the Clute Police Department, Traylor says Day has contacted him about employment.
According to Traylor, Day submitted an application to work at Clute PD.
Traylor claims Day would work for him again if the department offered him an opportunity.
The reported application marks a potentially significant change in their professional relationship.
However, Tammy Rose Reports has not independently verified the application or any hiring decision.
Former chief says allegations damaged reputation
Traylor also addressed the effect of the allegations and subsequent reporting.
He says the controversy damaged his personal character, professional reputation and credibility.
Traylor cited his 43 years in law enforcement and 13 years leading the Manvel Police Department.
He maintains that the allegations should not define his career.
His response also emphasizes the importance of presenting accurate information about his departure.
Questions remain about Manvel police leadership
Traylor’s written response provides his perspective on the controversy.
However, several questions remain.
City records show Manvel considered terminating Traylor before reaching a separation agreement.
Meanwhile, Traylor now claims that the former captain who filed a complaint against him wants to withdraw it.
He also says that same former employee wants to work under his leadership again.
Those developments warrant further examination.
Tammy Rose Reports will seek independent confirmation from Day and the City of Manvel.
The investigation into Manvel police leadership and the circumstances surrounding Traylor’s departure continues.
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