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Office of the Chief of Police
The Office of the Chief of Police is composed of the Chief, Staff Assistant IV Terrie
Centeno, Sergeant Gary Gallinot, who serves as both the Chief's adjutant and the
Department's public information officer, and the Internal Affairs Division. The Chief is
the administrator in charge of the Department and represents it within and outside of the
community. He serves on numerous committees and task forces not only to keep informed on
community issues, but to actively work toward solutions. Very involved in an ongoing
dialogue with residents and business people, the Chief remains sensitive to the public's
needs.
Internal Affairs Division
The primary function of the Internal Affairs Division is to investigate all allegations
of misconduct by employees of the Department. Allegations can be as simple as a minor
policy violation or as complex as a criminal investigation. Investigations are
administered by division staff, and all related notices and reports are generated by them.
As prescribed by law, re cords pertaining to personnel complaints are retained and kept
confidential within the division. Internal Affairs (IA) personnel assist the City's
appointed attorneys in any appeals process which might result from discipline dispensed by
the Chief of Police. They also support the City Attorney's office in responding to
subpoenas which seek employees' files for court proceedings.
IA consists of one lieutenant, one sergeant and a transcriber typist. Together, they
investigated 70 personnel complaints during the year, a 24% decrease over the 92
complaints handled in 1994. Of the 70 alleged violations, 16 were for excessive force, 32
for conduct unbecoming, four for preventable traffic accidents, 15 for neglect of duty,
and three for subpoena violations. Thirty two complaints were found to be sustained
resulting in 20 written reprimands, 272 hours of suspension without pay, and two
resignations in lieu of discipline. Eleven additional complaints were pending at year's
end, either because an employee was absent from duty due to medical reasons or because the
complaint was still in the review process. It is important to the Chief of Police that the
Division embody the Mission, Vision and Values Statements in its daily operations. The
Department needs the trust and support of the public and its employees. It is, therefore,
paramount that staff demonstrate fair and equal treatment of all citizens and employees,
and that they strive to protect each group's rights.
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This page was last modified on
01/26/2008
