Watson Still Planning to Retire
Dan Watson
The Pasadena Star-News says Chief Watson still plans to retire, in spite of the strong support he’s received from the community.
To put this whole thing in perspective, Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr announced his resignation in November. Why? Maybe it had something to do with an FBI investigation into civil-rights violations by the department. Maybe it was the public suicide of one of his officers. Maybe it was the scores of current and former officers who cast a vote of no confidence in their chief. And Stehr got a party when he left.
Now let’s look at why Watson is retiring. There aren’t any investigations. Crime is down more than 20 percent since he took the job. Five years before his hiring, the South Pas Police Department was making news for covering up hit-and-runs and screwing on duty. Quite a turnaround. He has strong public support, but members of the city council, backed by the South Pasadena Police Officer’s Assn., are asking for a review of the police department.
If somebody knows why, I’d love to hear it.
Posted: February 5th, 2010 under Public Safety, South Pasadena.
Tags: Chief Dan Watson, South Pasadena, SPPD
Comment from Mister Earl
Time February 11, 2010 at 12:13 am
In my job, I get reviewed every year. I’ve never been told that the review process consists of other people interviewing for my job. When someone is told their contract is not being renewed and they can compete for their own job, they are being told they’re fired. This is just a part of the hypocrisy and back-door dealing that make up this story.