Department Turmoil!

[srm148]

Ok, here is the story. We are a small department in Az, about 26 sworn. Well, our Chief leaves to run for Sheriff (He put in a resignation, but town hall decided to give him a leave of absence instead) and he ended up losing. Well, after PROMISING the department personnel, as well as Town Hall, that he would not return (even before he lost) he decided at the last minute to return to duty after the election. Now mind you, when he left, they made our Lt. interim Chief. During this time the Cief was gone, we made great progress with the department. Moral was the best it has been in years, officers were being held accountable for there actions, and disciplined. We demoted a detective that was behind 140 cases dating back 4 years! Well anyway, you get the point. We were making things happen. Well, now that the Chief has returned, he is reversing everything back to the old way of doing things. We are essentially going backwards again. This has caused our Lt. to resign and along with this, about 5 other officers are leaving as they cant take the bull and turmoil that the Chief has brought back. So, my question to all of you is.....Shouldnt town Hall see this BIG RED FLAG! The Chief is taking revenge out on us because moved forward while he was gone (Dont forget, he told Town Hall as well as the department, that he WAS NOT returning) and increased moral tenfold. he is changing the officers schedule, trying to fire some new hires still on probation, because they are friends with the Lt., and messing with the Sergeants. Shouldnt the town manager have some sort of say in what is going on here!! As the Chief does work directly under him. But, the Chief does have the Town Council on his side, by a 4-3 vote anyway. Maybe I am just venting, but would appreciate any comments, advice, what ever you might want to add. Has anyone been through this BULL??? What was the end result??? AAAARGH!!

[Irishluck31]

got to love the small city PD's. mines 24 cops. sounds like City Hall is scared of this guy. things happen all the time way above our paygrades. so and so has dirt on so and so. hell run the place into the ground, and leave with a nice retiremant and a heafty severence. thats the way it goes. suck it up, everyones quiting. the way things are going, you'll probably be the next chief.

[L-1]

It pretty much sounds like you're screwed.

Because it's his *** on the line if things go wrong, a Chief is pretty much entitled to run the department as he sees fit, provided he acts within the law, town and department rules, and any other parameters placed upon him by his superiors. To do otherwise effectively denies him the ability to regulate that for which he is responsible.

Having the backing of the town manager and the city council suggests he is performing in a manner acceptable to them. Given the circumstances, you either need to tough it out until you get a new chief, look for greener pastures, or have your POA start actively campaigning for the election of new city council members that see things your way.

[srm148]

The thing is, he doesnt have the support of the City Manager. But, since the City Mangaer has a contract that is renewed by the council every year, and the Chief has over half the council votes, he wont go against him as he is afraid that his contract wont be renewed. NOw get this, one of the council members had a husband wanted for MURDER out of another state. Our CHief would not let anyone go arrest him!!!!! ON AN ACTIVE WARRANT!!!! The Sheriffs Office found out about it and went right away to get the guy! That shows you how he gets council people on his side. He does special favors for them! Now, about me. I have been in L.E. for 18 years now. this is my second agency. And yes, I am a Sergeant there. I worked for a large agency before moving out west. I am used to petty bull, but this is rediculous. I just found out today, that 7 officers are leaving because of the Chief. Somebody in the Town has to wake up! All of the officers are now carrying personal recorders on them to tape his comments. This is what it has come down to!!!

[L-1]

Like I said, it sounds like you're screwed. Time to move on.

[srm148]

Easier said that done my friend. being 42, kinda hard to start over! So I will just suck it up and see what happens, or go into the private sector, as I have extensive Investigative experience.

[srm148]

Hmmm, now we have to wonder, Council was in special session today for 8 hours!

[BIG ROB]

give it a little time and suck it up. it will work itself out. sometimes it takes longer than other but karma has a way of kicking people like that in the butt. mind your p's and q's and keep low.

hard to do brother but good luck to you. i have been their, i feel for you.

[SgtCHP]

If you have a POA, Perhaps they can approach the city fathers with a witten complaint concerning the Chief's demeanor and retribution. If not, then the officers should approach the City Council meeting with a list of demands and air your grievances. Lastly, try your State Peace Officers Association to see if they are willing to attend to the problems. As a truly last resort, mass letters of resignation might alert the city fathers there is something amiss.

[Seventy2002]

This would make a good question for an oral board, huh?

I'd say bail.

Looks like your city council was given a clear choice, and made it.

[hemicop]

With the Town Council in th Police Chief's pocket, it sounds like your screwed. A few, albeit vague possibilities would be to notify the media of the Chief's behavior (New Times loves a good cop scandal), personaaly file a report with the County Attorney against the Chief for Hindering Prosecution or notify AZPOST of the Chief's interference with arresting the murder suspect & push for his certification to be revoked. No certification= no Police Chief.

[srm148]

Well, I appreciate everyones comments. The Council session didnt turn out anything that we are aware of. Nobody is speaking of it. The problem is, our Chief is such a smooth talker, and he always has one on one conversations, so he denies everything he is confronted with. He did make the comment to another sergeant that he is "Broke" do to the expenses of running for Sheriff. He also said today, that if the officers wanted to leave, "Let them leave". some attitude for a Chief huh! He lied during an internal investigation, he has lied to the troops. Bottom line is, he is just a dishonest man, out for himself, and himself only. I do like the idea of the New Times article. That may be a possibility. As far as filing on him for hindering prosecution, our COunty Attorneys do not have the balls to do that, and it has also been a couple years now. I, as well as others will just do what we have to do for now to get by, and hopefully the old saying, "What goes around, comes around" will come into play!!