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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Imperial County Grand Jury • 2007-2008

City of El Centro Police Department

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Findings 7 findings

F1
He rarely issues orders in writing. When questioned about a verbal order, he often says, “You misunderstood,” or “there was a miscommunication.”
F2
He does not observe the “chain of command.” He often ignores the Captain; they sometimes go days without speaking. He tends to micro-manage, issuing orders to those lower on the organizational chart. He recently 63
F3
He does not use personnel wisely. He has created new teams and positions, such as the Graffiti Team and the Administrative Sgt., without hiring new people, thus weakening Patrol Teams that are already understaffed. He makes assignments that are not clear, again because they are not put in writing. Some officers report, “He does not let us do what we know how to do and what we know needs to be done.” He changed the rules in the middle of the most recent promotion of an officer to Sgt; which has made other officers wary of applying for promotion.
F4 Page 77
He has lowered the standards for qualifying at the shooting range, making the Range Master fear for the competency of his officers in an emergency.
F5
He does not communicate well with his officers. In three recent shootings he failed to inquire about the welfare of his men, but instead asked about press coverage; this has resulted in a huge lowering of morale. Some officers report they have been directly lied to, often in small things; they now question his veracity in bigger things. In public statements the Chief consistently says “I have”, never “We have”.
F6
He has ordered laws enforced unevenly. Towing companies who were found to be unlicensed and completely out of compliance with City regulations were allowed to continue doing business with the City. Posted two-hour parking regulations were directed by the Chief not to be enforced in some instances. In February, 2007, the Chief was made aware of a problem with big trucks on Imperial Avenue, but the issue continues to be unresolved. In November and December of 2007 ECPD Patrol Teams were ordered to make themselves available to merchants in the new Mall even though the City of El Centro was thus left under-patrolled.
F7
He lacks visibility in El Centro. On two separate occasions when there were officer-involved shootings, the Chief was not available for three hours because he was at his home in Rancho Cucamonga. He is not seen by his officers on weekends, or even on most evenings, in local stores or restaurants. A letter of Grievance, from the El Centro Public Safety Management Association, was taken to the City Manager on July 16, 2007. The City Manager wrote back that same day that the complaint did not meet the criteria for a Grievance. He further indicated that he 64

Recommendations 5