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Fired Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Unfairly Focused on Minority Career Paths (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel). 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 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. He then rose through the ranks retiring as the citys Deputy Chief in 2007. We want to really have a police department that is focused on 21st century modern policing, Lagerbloom said. October 9, 2019. Police accused some protesters of throwing rocks, bricks and fireworks, arguing that warranted a strong response. Three of the semifinalists named by the City of Fort Lauderdale were internal: Interim Assistant Chief Frank Sousa, Maj. Dana Swisher and Capt. Glassman says hes glad to see the city manager is not in a rush to name a new chief. Updated: Mar 7, 2022 / 05:51 AM EST. Fort Lauderdale Police Department | Home - FLPD 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. appreciated. Fort Lauderdale looks to new police chief to boost trust - Sun Sentinel By choosing Scirotto, Lagerbloom rejected three internal candidates who were among the semi-finalists. [RELATED: Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione removed as officers face scrutiny over protest brutality]. Get updates on developing stories as they happen with our free breaking news email alerts. There are just certain ways that you can do that and do it legally, and other ways that meet that muster.. Did you encounter any technical issues? Copyright 2022 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. Scirotto told CNN Saturday the report that triggered his termination from the department was vague on the facts, and was largely based on hearsay. I reached out and asked if hed be willing to come out of retirement, and thankfully, he said yes. Officer Shortage Has LAPD Asking Retirees to Come Back. Larry Scirotto, a former assistant police chief in Pittsburgh, has been tapped to lead the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Unlike the shorter police academies, future officers serve as apprentices or cadets for a two-to-three-year program involving comprehensive learning through years of field experience and classroom instruction. Investigates both sworn and civilian public safety candidates, vendors, and other support candidates through in-person interviews. As chief, Scirotto promises to bring accountability to the department and to treat everyone fairly. Scirotto has a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Ashworth University and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. 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. State police said a $15,000 salary increase for state polices sworn personnel had helped increase the number of officers in the agency. As assistant chief, Scirotto was responsible for oversight of the police bureaus accreditation, policy development, labor management, internal investigations, and criminal intelligence and education. 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. Fort Lauderdales now-former police chief has hit back at officials in the Florida city who fired him after just six months on the job, accusing him of focusing too heavily on a diversity policy in hiring and promotion. Many believed that Chief Scirotto made clear his intention to promote, based on race, gender, or sexual orientation," Lagerbloom said. Tallahassee to select new Police Chief from pool of 7 finalists - WCTV (City of Fort Lauderdale/Courtesy). Larry Scirotto who took over the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in August was fired by the city manager on Thursday, according to a press release. I want them to be competent and experienced and open minded and sensitive to the diversity of our community.. 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. It cited 21 witnesses on Scirottos hiring and promotion practices. Fort Lauderdale police chief fired over minority-first practices in A city of Fort Lauderdale news release said the chief, Larry Scirotto, 48, was fired by City Manager Chris Lagerbloom on Thursday. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Discovery Company. Michelle F. Solomon is the podcast producer/reporter/host of Local 10's original, true-crime podcast The Florida Files and a digital journalist for Local 10.com. NC Sheriff Provides Community Photo Evidence of Deputy Shortage. What would the optics have been on that?. The Madison, WI, Police and Fire Commission voted Monday to stop requiring credit checks of prospective police officers. It doesnt need fixing. In total, 21 witnesses, including the chief, gave a consistent narrative to investigators about Scirottos hiring and promotion practices, the report reads. The new chief came to town. Hes also a masters degree candidate in Organizational Development and Leadership at Saint Josephs University. "You came to the wrong county. Lagerbloom says some potential candidates are not applying out of respect for Dietrich. said attorney Christina Currie, who used to head the Fort Lauderdale Citizens Investigative Panel. 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. [RELATED: Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione removed as officers face scrutiny over protest brutality]. Vice Mayor Steve Glassman later described the entire scene as a horror show, saying it was hard to watch the police body camera footage recorded that day. Photograph: Amy Beth. That's . Dietrich, a veteran Fort Lauderdale cop who came up through the ranks, has applied for the permanent job. In Pittsburgh, Scirotto came up with strategies to reduce and solve violent crimes. He is the first Latino to hold the position. They are trained in Critical Incident Stress Symptoms and Management as well as Fort Lauderdale Police Policies and Procedures. I wont allow them to tarnish the work that Ive done in the 24 years Ive been in this profession., In one example in the report, Scirotto is alleged to have overlooked a White man with 20 years tenure with the department, and instead narrowed the choice between two men of color, and asked, which one is blacker.. This is a movement. DeSantis spoke at an invitation-only event at an Elmhurst banquet hall - encouraging Chicago Police officers to leave Illinois and come work at departments in Florida. Theyre ready for this process to be complete, Diaz said. Get updates on developing stories as they happen with our free breaking news email alerts. Fort Lauderdale cops need one good chief. Seven people are in the Larry Scirotto has been selected by the city manager to become Fort Lauderdale's next police chief. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A Florida police chief has been fired after only about six months on the job following an investigation into several . Fort Lauderdale Police Department at City of Fort Lauderdale Tallahassee Police Chief candidate list narrowed to 10 finalists - WCTV The Fort Lauderdale Police Department offers one of the highest starting salaries in Florida ($67,620.80-$104,395.20) and a great retirement structure, great health benefits and a slew of other incentives such as paid time off and department-issued uniforms and equipment. FL Sheriff Chases After Suspect During Radio Interview. 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. CNN obtained a copy of the report that also said Scirotto had overlooked a white man with 20 years tenure with the department, and instead narrowed the choice for a job between two men of color, and asked: Which one is blacker?. Dietrich has been overseeing the agencys 530 sworn officers and 179 civilians since July 9, when Lagerbloom demoted Rick Maglione from chief to major. 2023 Cable News Network. A 23-year veteran with the Pittsburgh department, Scirotto retired in January 2018 and moved to Dallas two years later. But Scirotto warned that minority groups are now being treated as less than deserving. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The city ultimately decided to cut ties with Scirotto, who did not have a contract with the city and will not be receiving a severance, city spokesperson Stephen Gollan told CNN. Other candidates vying for the Fort Lauderdale position come from similar leadership roles. Theyre ready to go, he said with a laugh. Michael Ryan - Real Time Tactical Crime Analyst, Fort Lauderdale Police Additionally, about 120 of the filled positions are recruits that have not completed training, according to the police department. Attorney Christina Currie used to head the Ft. Lauderdale Citizens Investigative Panel which looked into complaints against officers. 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. Protestors assemble outside Fort Lauderdale Police Department headquarters on Sept 27, 2020. With Dietrich out as interim chief, Lagerbloom turned to former Davie Police Chief Patrick Lynn to oversee the agency while the national search was under way. And I anticipate they will all step up and support the new chief.. The previous chief Rick Maglione was reassigned in July. 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. 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. Former Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Larry Scirotto is seen in this file photo from the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Fort Lauderdale has named its new Chief of Police. Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The report followed several. This past year, he was chosen to be one of the referees to officiate in the mens NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. 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. 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. The fact that hes an external candidate leaves some unknowns. 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. Lagerbloom now has a new plan: appoint a new interim chief from outside the department who is not interested in the job. Lagerbloom made his pick from a list of eight semi-finalists that included three internal candidates: Fort Lauderdales Assistant Chief Frank Sousa, Maj. Dana Swisher and Capt. Officials told reporters they anticipated narrowing the list to four by mid-June. We must change our tactics, our strategy, our training and the way we are accountable to the public for our actions.. During the search, we learned that there might be several additional candidates who were interested in the position but chose not to apply out of respect for the interim chief. The Office of the Chief is also responsible for the overall management and operation of the Support Services Bureau, the Investigations Bureau and the Operations Bureau. Scirotto was sworn-in as police chief in mid-August, and the city had hired a law firm by November to investigate complaints of discrimination before he was fired on Thursday, according to a copy of the law firms report obtained by CNN. Karen Dietrich, an assistant chief who came up through the ranks, took over as interim chief the same day Maglione was demoted. Scirotto will be making the move from Dallas to Fort Lauderdale with his two American bulldogs, Charlie and Linus. I stand with my Jewish friends, and Im honored to be on your hit list. The investigation also concluded almost every witness was dissatisfied, with Scirottos approach to promotions, and most believed that Chief Scirotto made clear his intention to promote based on race, gender or sexual orientation.. Robert Chabali, retired assistant chief in Dayton, Ohio. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, sworn in as the agencys 39th police chief, send mental health professionals to certain calls, initiating outside reviews of the agency by police consultants, operating under the direction of Assistant Chief Karen Dietrich, City Manager Chris Lagerbloom demoted former Chief Rick Maglione. Scirotto also provided WFOR with what he said was context for his comments about the wall being too white.. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Employee Recognition-Complaint Hotline 954-828-6956. The other five are Dennis Jackson II, retired assistant chief for the Miami Police Department; Heather Morris, assistant chief for the Houston Police Department; Larry Scirotto, retired assistant chief for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; and Kristen Ziman, chief of the Aurora (Ill.) Police Department. 2. Fort Lauderdale names new police chief after tumultuous 2 years - WPLG Larry Scirotto, 48, the son of a white mother and Black father and the departments first openly gay chief, was fired last Thursday after a city report related examples such as how he had once pointed to a display of photos of the departments command staff in a conference room and said: That wall is too white and Im gonna change that.. Ali Adamson, spokesperson for the Office of the Chief at FLPD, directed questions to the City of Fort Lauderdale, which did not respond to multiple requests Thursday. Orlando police chief withdraws candidacy for top job at Fort Lauderdale In February, Dietrich announced she planned to step down from the role. He also reorganized the Violent Crime Unit by combining homicide, aggravated assault and robbery investigations into a single unit to prioritize crimes against people. Updated Ex-Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Denies Promoting Based on Anything But Engle came under fire after he suggested that a Broward Sheriffs Office deputys death from COVID-19 was linked to his sexuality. Scirottos supporters expressed disappointment, saying the chief was heading towards positive changes for the department. He holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Ashworth University and is a masters degree candidate in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Josephs University. 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?. 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. The job pays between $116,047 and $197,300 a year. [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. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. If I die on the hill for promoting diversity, as I was charged by the city manager to do from the day I was hired, then I will sleep well at night, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Fort Lauderdale casting another net for new police chief We were looking for someone who would be a collaborative leader, both with the community and the rank and file. The attorney for the four officers who filed the EEOC complaints said in a statement that she hopes the "city continues on this path making improvements within the agency.. 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. Now, he is in the running to take the top cop job, down south.The city of Fort Lauderdale sent WESH 2 News a list of semi-finalists for its police chief position and Rolon is in the running . "I want a great relationship with people in our community who havent had access in the past," Scirotto said at the time. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Roln is in the running to become chief of police at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, records show. Retiring Miami Police Chief speaks about his career - Fort Lauderdale If promoting diversity is the hill Im going to die on, I will sleep well tonight, he said. Police say protesters started it all when they threw rocks, bricks and fireworks. 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. Be the first to know with email alerts on important breaking stories from the Orlando Sentinel newsroom. While I appreciate that respect, I strongly feel the playing field must be level for all candidates.. You dont know what hes going to bring, or what his vision is and how hes going to move the department forward.. He joined Davies police department as chief soon after where he served until 2017. Maglione lost his job as chief five days after posting a public statement defending actions his officers took during a May 31 protest over the killing of Floyd in Minneapolis. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Critics lambasted officers for firing tear gas and rubber bullets during what began as a peaceful protest. Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan. College Degrees Designed for Police Officers, Best Practices for Active Shooter Response and Police Training, The Tennessee Department of Public Safety Increased Visibility, Accountability and Accuracy with Inventory Management Software Designed Specifically for Law Enforcement, DC Mayor Taps Veteran Metro Officer as Next Police Chief, After Murders of Officers in Charlotte Area NC Chiefs Ask Governor to Condemn Attacks on Police, CA Sheriff Defies Judge's Order to Release Violent Inmates Over COVID, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief Tests Positive for COVID-19, Chicago Police Superintendent Announces Resignation. I dont see the delay as something negative. Protestors assemble outside Fort Lauderdale Police Department headquarters on Sept 27, 2020. Retired cop from Pittsburgh tapped to lead Fort Lauderdale Police - MSN 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. He started making positive changes that would impact the whole community in a more positive direction than we had been in," community activist Jackie Scott said. Soon after being hired, Scirotto promoted 15 officers nine were white men, six were minorities through ethnicity or gender. I wont allow them to tarnish my reputation. Aurora police chief semifinalist for Fort Lauderdale top cop job Top 10 Police Chief CandidatesSelect the candidates name to see their resume. Florida police chief fired over discriminaton issues | AP News Staff reporter David Harris and reporter Susannah Bryan with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel contributed to this report. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. FL Sheriff Calls Anti-Semitic Group "Scumbags, Says He's Honored to be On Their Hit List, "These scumbags came to the wrong county," Volusia County Sheriff, Mike Chitwood, said. City News | City of Fort Lauderdale, FL There are things we can do better. Fort Lauderdale Police names Patrick Lynn chief. When sworn in as chief, Roln said he would prioritize officer wellbeing and pursue de-escalation and mass-casualty incident training for officers. Lynn becomes the top cop after the firing earlier this month of Larry Scirotto after just over six months of leading the Fort Lauderdale Police Department after a workplace discrimination complaint. Florida Police Chief Fired for Exclusively Hiring Candidates of Color By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. I believe weve found that.. ", KY State Police Welcome Largest Cadet Class in Years. The Commission said the measure was being taken in a step to increase diversity in the department. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, From Haiti Through Liberty City to Top Federal Prosecutor in South Florida: the Unlikely Story of Markenzy Lapointe, Driver Arrested After Fleeing Margate Crash That Killed Mother, Hospitalized Toddler Last Month. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who embarked on two. Its an honor to be sought after by a bunch of punk thugs like you. 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. 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. Larry Scirotto says he promoted minority candidates because they were exceptional not because they were minority. Bill Schultz; retired Miami Assistant Chief Dennis Jackson; Chief Kristen Ziman from Aurora, Ill.; Orlando Chief Orlando Rolon; and Houston Assistant Chief Heather Morris. He plans to stay onboard for awhile to help with the transition, Lagerbloom said. RELATED: Fort Lauderdales interim police chief vows to reform troubled department, RELATED: Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione removed as officers face scrutiny over protest brutality. OPD referred further questions to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. I want to have a chief of police who honors the fact that public records are public. After less than a year on the job, Fort Lauderdale's top cop is being fired after an investigation into employee complaints. 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. "We are pleased to see that the city of Fort Lauderdale is taking allegations of discriminatory practices within the department seriously," Tonja Haddad Coleman said. Lagerbloom also chose Scirotto the youngest assistant chief in the history of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for his extensive background in patrol work and experience with investigative and administrative assignments. (Adelaide Chen) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Fort Lauderdale has named its new Chief of Police. Officers would be paid the salary they had when they left but wouldnt receive vacation time or any health, disability and retirement benefits. Fort Lauderdale policefired tear gasand rubber bullets, contributing to a chaotic and violent scene. 7 Candidates Vying to Be Next Ft. Lauderdale Chief - POLICE Mag 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. He turns 63 in October of this year the mandatory retirement age for Chicago police officers. I have to be that visible leader, leading from the front, leading by example.. He came from a department that shared the most information on data and statistics.. 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. The promotions I made of minority candidates were because they were exceptional candidates who excelled at every level of the organization, who deserved to be promoted and who were, by the way, happened to be minority not because they were minority., Scirotto was sworn-in as police chief in mid-August last year. Larry Scirotto is expected to join the department in mid-August, City Manager Chris Lagerbloom announced Tuesday. As a leader, I will be visible and engaged with the community and the officers. 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. Scirotto did not return NBC 6's requests for comment.