Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 2023 Cable News Network. He said the context of the comment is built around how do I convince the community that we are an inclusive and diverse organization if this wall is so white? the report said. "We serve a very diverse community and thats important. Days after he was fired, the former police chief for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department is strongly denying allegations that he promoted officers based on their race, gender and sexual orientation. In February, Dietrich announced she planned to step down from the role. Fort Lauderdale hires new police chief college hoops fans may - WPLG The previous chief Rick Maglione was reassigned in July. This past year, he was chosen to be one of the referees to officiate in the mens NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. She stepped down in February after Lagerbloom, unhappy with the list of contenders, said he was conducting a new search for the departments top cop. The Madison, WI, Police and Fire Commission voted Monday to stop requiring credit checks of prospective police officers. Engle came under fire after he suggested that a Broward Sheriffs Office deputys death from COVID-19 was linked to his sexuality. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom has announced former Pittsburgh Assistant Chief Larry Scirotto as the sole finalist for Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. There are just certain ways that you can do that and do it legally, and other ways that meet that muster.. Fort Lauderdale Police Department at City of Fort Lauderdale Bill. Fort Lauderdale For nearly a year, Fort Lauderdales troubled police department has been without a permanent leader, with two different interim chiefs taking over while a national search was underway. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, the man who will make the final decision on whom to hire, says he doesnt expect to make a pick until early next year. FLPD had been criticized for its handling of downtown protests. Three of the semifinalists named by the City of Fort Lauderdale were internal: Interim Assistant Chief Frank Sousa, Maj. Dana Swisher and Capt. Be the first to know with email alerts on important breaking stories from the Orlando Sentinel newsroom. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has been primarily operating under the direction of Assistant Chief Karen Dietrich since July, when City Manager Chris Lagerbloom demoted former Chief Rick Maglione over statements defending the agencys response to citywide protests for racial justice. He comes to us at an important moment in law enforcement as departments nationwide work to ensure community trust and that everyone is treated equally and fairly in interactions with officers. The list of semi-finalists represented a lot of talent both within and outside the department, Mayor Dean Trantalis said. Theyre ready to go, he said with a laugh. Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan. The acting police chief will be Luis Alvarez, who is currently an assistant chief. A list of eight semifinalists. He wasnt all just talk, she said. (Photo courtesy of City of Fort Lauderdale), its handling of downtown protests on May 31 and the aftermath. Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman is in the running to become chief of police in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to Fort Lauderdale city officials. Larry Scirotto is expected to join the department in mid-August, City Manager Chris Lagerbloom announced Tuesday. Receive the latest law enforcement in-depth information, news and products. El Paso Chief Dies After 15 Years Leading Department. Scirotto told CNN he promoted 15 people from August to November, and of that group, six were ethnic or gender minorities selected for promotions based on their merit. Scirotto said he has obtained legal counsel and is planning on filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city. The Sun Sentinel reports the list of candidates includes Interim Chief Karen Dietrich,a veteran Fort Lauderdale officerwho came up through the ranks; Craig Capri, former chief in Daytona Beach; Todd Chamberlain, a former Los Angeles school police chief and retired commander with the Los Angeles Police Department; Jack John Dale, a former Fort Lauderdale police captain and former colonel with the Broward Sheriffs Office; John Pate, city manager and director of Public Safety for Opa-locka; Tomas Sanchez, former chief of the Hollywood Police Department; and Cecil Smith, police chief in Sanford. The new chief came to town. The report concluded that most believed that Chief Scirotto made clear his intention to promote based on race, gender or sexual orientation and that almost every witness was dissatisfied with Scirottos approach to promotions. As for his law enforcement credentials, Scirotto was formerly the assistant police chief in Pittsburgh. They called for racial justice in response to a grand jury decision in Louisville to charge one officer involved in the raid that killed Breonna Taylor. Fort Lauderdale The search for a new police chief in Fort Lauderdale hasnt turned up enough good candidates, so City Manager Chris Lagerbloom plans to try again. Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. As a leader, I will be visible and engaged with the community and the officers. Police accused some protesters of throwing rocks, bricks and fireworks, arguing that warranted a strong response. NC Sheriff Provides Community Photo Evidence of Deputy Shortage. A city of Fort Lauderdale news release said the chief, Larry Scirotto, 48, was fired by City Manager Chris Lagerbloom on Thursday. In Pittsburgh, Scirotto came up with strategies to reduce and solve violent crimes. All rights reserved. Thats not the case, and it never was. He told CNN the report that triggered his termination from the department was vague on the facts. Ex-Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Denies Promoting Based on Anything But /end, The city says that interim Chief Patrick Lynn will remain to assist in the transition.. He then rose through the ranks retiring as the citys Deputy Chief in 2007. The citys police department is now under the leadership of Acting Chief Luis Alvarez, the city said, and the selection process for a new chief is underway. Robert Chabali, retired assistant chief in Dayton, Ohio. The departments rank and file are eager to see a new leader named, said Detective Brandon Diaz, police union president. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Employee Recognition-Complaint Hotline 954-828-6956. Lagerbloom has not said just what prompted the move, but Maglione posted a public statement on July 4 defending the actions his officers took during a May 31 protest over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Theyre ready for this process to be complete, Diaz said. We wanted someone who can shepherd this department into a new era of policing, build trust and keep the needs of our diverse community at the forefront. That means Karen Dietrichs days as interim chief are numbered. I wont allow them to tarnish my reputation. He did talk about wanting to hire from outside to bring in fresh energy., [RELATED: Pop his ass. Bodycam videos show protesters throwing things at police. [RELATED: Fort Lauderdales interim police chief vows to reform troubled department], Unfortunately, the current recruitment process did not produce a finalist list that contained enough candidates to continue moving it forward, Lagerbloom wrote. Chief Greg Allen joined the El Paso Police Department in 1978, starting off patrolling Central and the West Side. The department has about 530 officers and 179 civilian employees. Chief Lynn was a stabilizing figure last year during a period of transition for this department, Lagerbloom said. We want to really have a police department that is focused on 21st century modern policing, Lagerbloom said. Former Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Larry Scirotto is seen in this file photo from the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept. In response to calls for racial justice and police reform over the past year, Roln helped usher in changes at OPD, including banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants, starting a pilot program to send mental health professionals to certain calls and initiating outside reviews of the agency by police consultants to assist with community engagement. According to the job posting, the ideal candidate will be interpersonal and culturally sensitive; ethical and of high integrity; a supporter, coach and mentor; and a diplomatic, prudent and highly effective conflict manager. Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Larry Scirotto has been fired for prioritizing minority candidates during the hiring process, reported CNN. Minutes later Sheriff Mike Chitwood responded that he was OK and explained what happened. But in the fall, things turned sour when Scirotto promoted a list of minority employees. appreciated. The city of Fort Lauderdale has fired its police chief Larry Scirotto, who has been in office for less than a year, following allegations of discriminatory practices for promotions. Larry Scirotto is expected to join the department in. I have a vision for the department, Scirotto said at the time. Some officers seem to revel in the return fire. Its a wait-and-see attitude, Diaz added. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Gainesville, FL, Disbands K-9 Unit Over Arrestee Losing Eye, IL Deputy Dies After Medical Event During Training, New TASER 10 Will Require Training for Seasoned Officers, Brinc Announces Next Generation of Lemur Drone, Michigan State Police Helicopter Fired On, Suspect Killed by Troopers on Ground, 11 Inspirational Quotes to Boost Police Morale in Trying Times, VA Lawmakers Pass Bill Allowing Chiefs to Set Curfews During Unrest, The bill if signed into law would empower local law enforcement chiefs to impose curfews for up to 24 hours if there is an imminent threat of any civil commotion or disturbance in the nature of a riot which constitutes a clear and present danger., Newsweek: Apprenticeships Would Improve Police Training. Michelle Solomon, Podcast Producer/Reporter. He formerly served as a deputy chief in charge of OPDs Patrol Services Bureau, including during the shooting at Pulse nightclub in June 2016, and has held positions in most of the agencys departments over his career. Police say protesters started it all when they threw rocks, bricks and fireworks. Scirotto also provided WFOR with what he said was context for his comments about the wall being too white.. Lagerbloom has declined to say just what prompted the move, but five days earlier Maglione had posted a public statement defending the actions his officers took during aMay 31 protestover the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. "I think our community was really excited changing the culture of what we had experienced here in our police department.. There would have been 12 white men, one white woman and two minorities if I had promoted as the complainants say I should have, Scirotto told the paper. The report followed several. But the former police chief has said he plans to maintain his position on the issue. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. WI Agency Ends Credit Checks for Recruits. Other candidates vying for the Fort Lauderdale position come from similar leadership roles. Kentucky now has 899 state troopers, which is an increase of about 22% compared to their staffing level in November 2021. Some believed it was about time changes were made, but stated if promotions were based on things such as race it would even hurt or undermine the people promoted, the report said. CurrieFriday afternoonsaid, I was really looking forward to the leadership that Chief Scirotto was going to bring." Four officers three white and one Hispanic filed EEOC complaints alleging that the chief was promoting unfairly. Did you encounter any technical issues? "You came to the wrong county. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. I see it as him taking the time to make sure the right person gets hired. Critics lambasted officers for firing tear gas and rubber bullets during what began as a peaceful protest. The hosts on Drew Gerabo Live were left speculating what was happening when they could not reach the sheriff. When asked about his approach to promotions, Scirotto told investigators he was going to consider diversity at every opportunity, and he had to be intentional in his decision-making process. It doesnt need fixing. The fact that hes an external candidate leaves some unknowns. More FLPD Seeks to Identify Man Captured on Video Near Homicide Scene Det. Throughout the decades, he moved up to the rank of deputy chief in charge of the Central and Pebble Hills regional command centers. Officials told reporters they anticipated narrowing the list to four by mid-June. NBC 6's Julie Leonardi reports, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Scirotto will be making the move from Dallas to Fort Lauderdale with his two American bulldogs, Charlie and Linus. Atlanta-Area Agency Facing Critical Officer Shortage. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Fort Lauderdale has named its new Chief of Police. The city of Fort Lauderdale has fired its police chief Larry Scirotto, who has been in office for less than a year, following allegations of discriminatory practices for promotions. Scirotto has a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Ashworth University and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. The city manager is taking his time, Glassman said. We were looking for someone who would be a collaborative leader, both with the community and the rank and file. He was also a member of the Tallahassee Police Department from 1988 until 2011. [RELATED: Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione removed as officers face scrutiny over protest brutality]. Tallahassee to select new Police Chief from pool of 7 finalists - WCTV Tallahassee Police Chief candidate list narrowed to 10 finalists - WCTV By choosing Scirotto, Lagerbloom rejected three internal candidates who were among the semi-finalists. said attorney Christina Currie, who used to head the Fort Lauderdale Citizens Investigative Panel. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel). Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. As assistant chief, Scirotto was responsible for oversight of the police bureaus accreditation, policy development, labor management, internal investigations, and criminal intelligence and education. Fort Lauderdale officials have indicated the city could rescind promotions made on Scirottos watch. Again, I go back to the fact that we support a very diverse organization," Lagerbloom said. Orlando Police chief vying for position at Fort Lauderdale Police Lagerbloom said it is a return to the department for Lynn, who served as Interim Chief in 2021. Chaplains | Fort Lauderdale Police Department - FLPD A list of eight semifinalists for the open chief position provided by the City of Fort Lauderdale lists Roln among its candidates, and Orlando Police Department spokesperson Autumn Jones confirmed Thursday that Roln is in a selection process for the position. Local activists said OPDs reform under Roln has not gone far enough to address the needs of the community. OPD referred further questions to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. After a summer of searching, Key Biscayne's village manager has tapped Fort Lauderdale interim Assistant Police Chief Francis "Frank" Sousa to lead the . Fort Lauderdale casting another net for new police chief I dont see the delay as something negative. Lagerbloom made his pick from a list of eight semi-finalists that included three internal candidates: Fort Lauderdale's Assistant Chief Frank Sousa, Maj. Dana Swisher and Capt. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who embarked on two. . Lagerbloom says he made his choice partly based on the positive feedback Scirotto got from both police and the community including religious leaders, NAACP officials and Fort Lauderdales citizens police review board. The report said that Scirotto had responded that the context of his comment had been built around how do I convince the community that we are an inclusive and diverse organization if this wall is so white?. Retired cop from Pittsburgh tapped to lead Fort Lauderdale Police The department attracted more than 80 applicants after launching a nationwide search last summer, Lagerbloom said. Protestors assemble outside Fort Lauderdale Police Department headquarters on Sept 27, 2020. Fort Lauderdale The search for a new police chief in Fort Lauderdale hasn't turned up enough good candidates, so City Manager Chris Lagerbloom plans to try again. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A Florida police chief has been fired after only about six months on the job following an investigation into several . In total, 21 witnesses, including the chief, gave a consistent narrative to investigators about Scirottos hiring and promotion practices, the report reads. Glassman says hes glad to see the city manager is not in a rush to name a new chief. Karen Dietrich, 50, was chosen Thursday by Fort Lauderdale City Manager Chris Lagerbloom to lead the department as interim chief after Lagerbloom asked former chief Rick Maglione to step. He came from a department that shared the most information on data and statistics.. Office of the Chief | Fort Lauderdale Police Department Font Size: About FLPD Office of the Chief Units of the Office of the Chief of Police The Media Relations Unit, Staff Inspections/ Accreditation Unit, and the Office of Internal Affairs are the three main components of the Office of the Chief. Its too important., Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4554 or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan. More , The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.-, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, 1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | Tel: 954-828-5700 | Internal Affairs: 954-828-6956 |Site Map, 2023 Fort Lauderdale Police Department | Created by Vision Internet Innovators of Online Government. Fort Lauderdale hires new police chief to run department rocked by Get updates on developing stories as they happen with our free breaking news email alerts. FLPD had been criticized for its handling of downtown protests on May 31 and the aftermath, but Lagerbloom said at the time that there wasnt one event that led to the change. Fort Lauderdale cops need one good chief. Seven people are in the Police say protesters started it all when they threw rocks, bricks and fireworks. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. The city of Fort Lauderdale has identified a sole finalist for its chief of police position. Soon after being hired, Scirotto promoted 15 officers nine were white men, six were minorities through ethnicity or gender. I have no allegiance to anyone there, which means everyone will be measured on their own merit. Florida police chief fired over discriminaton issues | AP News Its an honor to be sought after by a bunch of punk thugs like you. Fla. police chief Larry Scirotto fired for favoring non-white officers Scirotto, a former assistant chief in Pittsburgh, was the first openly gay chief hired in Fort Lauderdale and also is from a mixed-race background. Florida Gov. Attorney Christina Currie used to head the Ft. Lauderdale Citizens Investigative Panel which looked into complaints against officers. Photograph: Amy Beth. Following a thorough and extensive investigation of employee complaints at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, has determined that it is in the Citys best interest to separate employment with Larry Scirotto, the city said in a statement dated March 3. The list of candidates includes Interim Chief Karen Dietrich, a veteran Fort Lauderdale cop who came up through the ranks; Craig Capri, former chief in Daytona Beach; Todd Chamberlain, a.