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PLEA: "We have no chief of police"

by Kevin Tripp/KTAR (April 28th, 2009 @ 2:18pm)

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Comments:17
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PHOENIX - The Phoenix police union called Chief Jack Harris a bad leader, but they couldn't tell the city council.

After hours of waiting, members of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) were told they couldn't address the elected officials.

At a public safety sub-committee meeting, Councilman Claude Maddox said it's a personnel matter and adjourned the meeting. "I'm going to ask you to please take your issues to the city manager's office."

But PLEA president Mark Spencer isn't optimistic. "Jack Harris is not held accountable. He's not held accountable by the city manager or the city council."

"Is he the chief or isn't he," said Spencer. "On paper he's the public safety manager. On paper the ordinance requires a police chief. We do not have a chief of police."

He said Harris is out of touch with rank-and-file cops.

The city manager said he will meet with the union.

City manager Fred Fairbanks issued this statement to the media regarding allegations made by PLEA: "City management is in full support of Public Safety Manager Jack Harris. The Phoenix Police Department is performing very well. This is clear to the public through the significant drop in crime and the safety improvements led by Mr. Harris. We are aware of PLEA's concerns and as always we will review and discuss them with Mr. Harris and with union representatives and take appropriate action as necessary."

Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Patrolmen Are left Hanging
    Samantha F
    They are being denied carrying personal rifles. That's huge when the City cant supply enough. They know their personal AR, AK. 870's, better than any gun. Let them check out on them and use them against the scum these brave men face each day.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Isn't it interesting?
    Edward C
    Sheriff Joe's right hand man retires one day and comes back to the same position. The media was up in arms. Chief Harris retires as Police Chief and comes back as Public Safety Director instead of Police Chief but the don't replace the Police Chief. Media is suspiciously silent?????
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    I Wonder
    D M
    What this is REALLY all about? Not that I don't disagree with PLEA.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Now They Know What the People of PHX Feel Like
    AZjjeff
    They have no mayor.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Poor Complainers with high paying jobs...
    Really?
    It is interesting that officers who have decent paying jobs have nothing better to do than complain about Management when most people in the private sector are worrying about whether they will have a job due to the economy. They should worry more about solving problems related to actual crimes than creating issues within their Department. This is another example of a union that has lost focus on what is important.
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