Fred Warchol: Atwater’s part-time chief not doing his job
An army led by a part-time general is destined for defeat. Likewise, a police department led by a part-time chief is an unguided missile.
The city of Atwater, in an attempt to save money, divided its police chief’s time between duties as a city manager and police management. It’s not working.
In May, a former police officer and leader of a political action committee, with the full knowledge of senior police officials, brazenly gave instructions for contributions to be dropped off inside the police station. Then, in October, police resources and personnel were misused again when young police cadets were used to distribute hundreds of political fliers. The subsequent internal investigation is worthy of the Keystone Cops.
More recently, in November, an Atwater police officer, while on duty, participated in a sickening high school-made video that simulated schoolyard killings.
Atwater’s rank-and-file officers are dedicated professionals. They serve and protect us well. However, their leadership is obviously defunct.
The citizens of Atwater deserve no less than a full-time police chief, one who is willing to take charge, avoid scandals and provide real leadership.
Fred Warchol, Atwater
This story was originally published December 2, 2014 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Fred Warchol: Atwater’s part-time chief not doing his job."