March 11, 2024
TO: Christopher Velasquez, Chief of Police
FROM: James Slaton, City Manager
SUJECT: Notice of Disciplinary Action
MEMORANDUM
As you know the City received a complaint from the Poor Minority Justice Association asserting that recent lieutenant promotional decisions were impermissibly motivated by race and that at least one candidate was ineligible for promotion at the time of his interview. I tasked Sandra Davis, Human Resources Director, with interviewing all relevant witnesses and gathering facts related to the promotional process. The investigation determined that there was no supporting evidence establishing that promotional decisions were based on any candidate’s race.
During the course of the investigation an appearance of unfairness in the process was evident as a result of deviations from past promotional practices and the amendment of minimum qualification requirements in the position announcement.
In light of the controversy surrounding the promotion of Dale Hampton, I am forced to consider re-opening the Lieutenant position in which Dale Hampton was appointed. All applicants may reapply after a promotional process is defined and adopted.
During my time as City Manager, I have heard repeated public concerns in two critical areas:
- Appearance of nepotism within the department
- Perception of a lack of transparency
The issues related to the recent Lieutenant promotions are consistent with public concerns in these two areas, specifically. Furthermore, several officers within the department have expressed these same concerns as it relates to the recent promotions.
You also recently requested approval to hire one of your Sergeant’s daughters in a position in your department.
The mere appearance of nepotism or favoritism causes low morale among the department personnel and erodes public confidence.
In response to the promotional process I am giving you three days off without pay, beginning, March 18, 2024.
I have been too involved in the administration of the Police department during my tenure as City Manager in an effort to find solutions to concerns raised by the community. Our environment demands proactive, adaptive, and creative leadership.
I acknowledge your contributions and dedication to the department during your time as Police Chief, however, in the best interest of the department and the community, it is time for new leadership to address the challenges we face.
On April, 2024, I will advertise a search for a new police chief. You may remain in your current position until a new chief has been appointed.
If you desire, you have the right to appear and make a statement at the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting on 3/19/2024. That opportunity is not a vehicle to appeal this decision, but rather is solely to enable you to publicly respond to the decision, if you choose to do so. If you choose to make a public statement, please let me know prior to the agenda deadline of 3/15/2024.
