Mesa police unions to hold confidence vote on Chief Ramon Batista
May 5, 2019, 4:25 PM | Updated: May 6, 2019, 7:24 am
(Facebook Photo/City of Mesa Police Department)
(Facebook Photo/City of Mesa Police Department)
PHOENIX — The Mesa Police Association has begun an assessment expected to culminate in a confidence vote on Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista on May 17.
According to an official statement from Nate Gafvert, president of the MPA, the vote of confidence is the final step of a more comprehensive analysis.
“The Mesa Police Association wants a stellar Police Department that serves our city well,” Gafvert said. “We surveyed police employees to asses our current scenario and identify gaps that could be remedied.”
On February 22, the association issued a post on Facebook criticizing the way Chief Batista handled two use of force incidents involving Mesa PD.
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What the association called “an epic failure of leadership” led to the assessment and eventual decision to hold a confidence vote.
Batista responded to the news of the MPA assessment and vote in a statement:
“We are aware that a labor organization — working with a marketing firm — has initiated a poll of our officers. It is important to remember that their agenda does not represent the entire Mesa Police Department.
I’m committed to leading this department and I stand by my officers as they carry out their duties to protect and serve this city. The support from our community could not have been made clearer as they passed a public safety sales tax to ensure we have the staffing and equipment to keep them safe.
I’m also very proud that the backing from our city’s elected officials is second to none. Each member continues to show their unwavering support; most recently, Mayor and council attended our Employee Quarterly Awards and helped us honor our Fallen Officers. As a result of several years of incredible work, Mesa is now recognized as one of the safest large cities in America. Our crime rates are at historic lows.
I am proud to serve the residents of the City of Mesa as the Police Chief, and I am honored to lead the great men and women of the Mesa Police Department, those who work day and night to protect our community, these are the reasons I love my profession.”
The confidence vote will include input from two Mesa Police Unions including the MPA and Mesa Fraternal Order of Police.
