TANDY CARTER MEMO

x-interim Chief Tandy Carter & x-x-Chief Cease

Memo addressed to City Manager Sterling Cheatham

Emerging issues

I would describe the PD current status as coming part at the seems; it is agency whose special interest groups will alternately protect those command staff folks who are loyal to their cause. Moreover, they will try to call attention to those who do not support the status quo. After an exhaustive review by PERF, they will probably say, “while department is not a corrupt organization, it is culturally deficient in some key areas”. Rank & file should be commended for their performance, but management engaged in questionable behavior. Although none of the activities rose to the level of criminal violations, officials exhibited poor judgment at the very least.
It may be essential to the new chief success to bring competent people with him. There is a shortage of available talent in the department both professionalism & personal resentment pervades the supervisory ranks (Sgt. thru Capt.). If the city is looking for a reform chief, he/she will only survive for a short period (2-3 years). He/she will consistently be at odds with the rank & file. Among the bitterest battles will be over civil service/disciplinary actions. Discipline & accountability will remain a top priority in his administration.

Special interest groups upcoming issues:

1. Pay (pay compression/pay inequities)
2. Inconsistent discipline
3. Randy Pait will be the target of officers, special interest groups & Capt. Pulley. Officers will continue to try to undermine his efforts. I would recommend he be move to professional standards division for his own protection. He will become the focal point of PERF’s assessment as the department problem supervisor. Remember, I recommended he be transferred shortly after John departure. As you already know, he has requested to be moved. This is a good time to move him rather than wait for PERF’s recommendation.

The city manager form of government typically adds one layer of insulation between the police chief & elected officials. Given the reputation of our political climate, I would look at how those political leaders exercised control over the PD and the Chief Christine Campel is overwhelmed by her new appointed position. I do not see this situation getting any better. Christine has a personality clash with Capt Pulley (her direct supervisor) & K. Johnston. I do not think this situation is going to get any better with time. I would recommend moving her out of the PD. Perhaps, under the management control of your Deputy City Manager. She is also the administrator for the e-civics software. She has little to no expertise in this area.

My guess is Bruce will name Capt Pulley as his Deputy. She will put on a good face for a while & at the same time; she will work to undermine him. Bruce would do better not naming a Deputy until the Chief announcement is made. I have some serious concern with Capt. Pulley as the Deputy because of her husband’s position (in the county drug unit). Sid is doing everything he can to try to undermine our efforts to make himself look good.

Capt Pulley is in collusion with the special interest groups. What is clear to me is she is being baby-sat & courted by them. The baby-sitting comes more from her than by the special interest groups until their agenda is sold to the majority of council (hands-off civil service, better pay & the ability to discipline themselves).

Sensitive training is need by the PD. Out community is a power keg waiting for the right moment. I would mandate more training in this area.

The push for economic development is going to require the city to throw more money at enforcement. It would be foolish to think that you can have one without the other.
Also, I would like to see some growth of WPD officers in our local DEA office. We currently have one detective assigned, but we are budgeted for two detectives. Since drugs are regional problem, the city will benefit by staffing our local DEA office with three detectives. As you know from our workshop last year, our local office covers eleven counties. They are not staffed adequately to support cover eleven counties.

I would delay any promotions until the Chief is on board. This will allow the incoming chief to choose his team. I like our current candidates for promotions, however, with a deficient culture they to can become a compliant member of cult.