None of them were promoted because they were in a protected class, he said. 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. Orlando Roln, the city's police chief, smiles at the families who came out to the 9th Annual Dragon Parade on Sun, Feb. 9, 2020. If youre a hardcore college basketball fan and that name sounds familiar, its because Scirotto also works as an NCAA referee. The hosts on Drew Gerabo Live were left speculating what was happening when they could not reach the sheriff. I watched George Floyd in horror like hopefully every other law enforcement professional in America did, he told the Sun Sentinel. Theyre ready to go, he said with a laugh. 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. 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, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said in a tweet. I support his decision. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Again, I go back to the fact that we support a very diverse organization," Lagerbloom said. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 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. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A Florida police chief has been fired after only about six months on the job following an investigation into several . Karen Dietrich is stepping down as interim chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department after six months in the role, effectively taking herself out of the running to be the agency's top cop. 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. Additionally, about 120 of the filled positions are recruits that have not completed training, according to the police department. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Fort Lauderdale has named its new Chief of Police. 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. Maglione had been chief since 2016. Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Larry Scirotto has been fired for prioritizing minority candidates during the hiring process, reported CNN. The new chief came to town. 10:25 PM EST, Sat March 5, 2022. Lagerbloom says some potential candidates are not applying out of respect for Dietrich. 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. Some officers seem to revel in the return fire. I want them to be competent and experienced and open minded and sensitive to the diversity of our community.. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom has announced former Pittsburgh Assistant Chief Larry Scirotto as the sole finalist for Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Many believed that Chief Scirotto made clear his intention to promote, based on race, gender, or sexual orientation," Lagerbloom said. A city of Fort Lauderdale news release said the chief, Larry Scirotto, 48, was fired by City Manager Chris Lagerbloom on Thursday. Scirotto, 48, will make $200,000 a year overseeing the agencys 530 sworn officers and 179 civilians. (Adelaide Chen) 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.. Career Paths Scirotto said he has obtained legal counsel and is planning on filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city. In Pittsburgh, Scirotto came up with strategies to reduce and solve violent crimes. If you want to take an organization somewhere, sometimes you have to look to the outside.. The job pays between $116,047 and $197,300 a year. Florida Gov. I want to have a chief of police who honors the fact that public records are public. 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. Its an honor to be sought after by a bunch of punk thugs like you. I dont see the delay as something negative. Mission Statement But in the fall, things turned sour when Scirotto promoted a list of minority employees. A list of eight semifinalists. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Employee Recognition-Complaint Hotline 954-828-6956. Larry Scirotto, a former assistant police chief in Pittsburgh, has been tapped to lead the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Fort Lauderdales new chief happens to be a fitness enthusiast and collegiate basketball referee. But in an interview with Miamis 7News, Scirotto denied that he had made promotions based on minority-status. But Scirotto warned that minority groups are now being treated as less than deserving. appreciated. Chief Scirotto emerged as the clear, sole finalist after a thorough year-long process in the search for a new leader of our department, Lagerbloom said in a statement. That sense of urgency is not lost on Lagerbloom, who met with the union last week to give them an update on the search. There are things we can do better. I reached out and asked if hed be willing to come out of retirement, and thankfully, he said yes. NC Sheriff Provides Community Photo Evidence of Deputy Shortage. Larry Scirotto, a former assistant chief from Pittsburgh, will be taking the helm on Aug. 16. Damned if you do, damned if you dont. Starting Monday, April 4, Patrick Lynn will take over the department, announced Fort Lauderdale City Manager Chris . I know we dont release the data publicly in a way I want to, so the public can see when we use force and the outcome of that force.. In February, Dietrich announced she planned to step down from the role. Photograph: Amy Beth. I would rather see him take the time and do it right. Lagerbloom,. 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?. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Chief Scirotto brings extensive experience with a background in patrol, investigative and administrative assignments. 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. Protestors assemble outside Fort Lauderdale Police Department headquarters on Sept 27, 2020. He joined Davies police department as chief soon after where he served until 2017. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Fort Lauderdale has named its new Chief of Police. 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. CurrieFriday afternoonsaid, I was really looking forward to the leadership that Chief Scirotto was going to bring." ", KY State Police Welcome Largest Cadet Class in Years. El Paso Chief Dies After 15 Years Leading Department. Attorney Christina Currie used to head the Ft. Lauderdale Citizens Investigative Panel which looked into complaints against officers. 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.. 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. 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. Atlanta-Area Agency Facing Critical Officer Shortage. Throughout the decades, he moved up to the rank of deputy chief in charge of the Central and Pebble Hills regional command centers. 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. 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. Its a wait-and-see attitude, Diaz added. He said a mix of emotions will come over him as he finishes his last week on. Dietrich has been overseeing the agencys 530 sworn officers and 179 civilians since July 9, when Lagerbloom demoted Rick Maglione from chief to major. For nearly a year, Fort Lauderdale's troubled police department has been without a permanent leader, with two different interim chiefs taking over while a national search was underway. Fort Lauderdale Police names Patrick Lynn chief. He turns 63 in October of this year the mandatory retirement age for Chicago police officers. 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. That was the day Lagerbloom demoted longtime chief Rick Maglione to major as protests over the police killing of George Floyd swept the nation. The department has about 530 officers and 179 civilian employees. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. The city of Fort Lauderdale has identified a sole finalist for its chief of police position. Updated: Mar 7, 2022 / 05:51 AM EST. 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. [RELATED: Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione removed as officers face scrutiny over protest brutality]. 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. WI Agency Ends Credit Checks for Recruits. The Madison, WI, Police and Fire Commission voted Monday to stop requiring credit checks of prospective police officers. 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. Starting Monday, April 4, Patrick Lynn will take over the department, announced Fort Lauderdale City Manager Chris Lagerbloom. 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. If promoting diversity is the hill Im going to die on, I will sleep well tonight, he said. Bill Schultz. Fort Lauderdale Police Department. News that a chief has finally been chosen was a relief to Fort Lauderdales police officers, said Detective Brandon Diaz, union president. Scirotto spent more than two decades as a police officer in Pittsburgh, and was initially welcomed in the Florida post as an outsider untouched by cronyism. Soon after being hired, Scirotto promoted 15 officers nine were white men, six were minorities through ethnicity or gender. Scirotto did not return NBC 6's requests for comment. (City of Fort Lauderdale/Courtesy). 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. Scirotto will be making the move from Dallas to Fort Lauderdale with his two American bulldogs, Charlie and Linus. Police say protesters started it all when they threw rocks, bricks and fireworks. Fort Lauderdale policefired tear gasand rubber bullets, contributing to a chaotic and violent scene. Police Chief Jorge Colina will walk out of the downtown Miami police headquarters for the final time on Friday. As for his law enforcement credentials, Scirotto was formerly the assistant police chief in Pittsburgh. /end, The city says that interim Chief Patrick Lynn will remain to assist in the transition.. Lagerbloom, charged with hiring the citys new top cop, also wants to name a new interim chief to level the playing field. 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?. Robert Chabali, retired assistant chief in Dayton, Ohio. Scirotto also provided WFOR with what he said was context for his comments about the wall being too white.. 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.. Humane Society of Broward County Kicks Off VCA Walk for the Animals in Fort Lauderdale, BSO Searching forMissing 11-Year-Old Girl From Pompano Beach, Miami-Dade Mayor, State Attorney Announce New Measures to Protect HOA Residents, Check Your Change! . In total, 21 witnesses, including the chief, gave a consistent narrative to investigators about Scirottos hiring and promotion practices, the report reads. Dietrich, a veteran Fort Lauderdale cop who came up through the ranks, has applied for the permanent job. 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. A Warner Bros. 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. A 23-year veteran with the Pittsburgh department, Scirotto retired in January 2018 and moved to Dallas two years later. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom shared the news Tuesday with the departments command staff and rank and file. He wasnt all just talk, she said. All rights reserved. As I see it, this is a fresh start for everybody, including the internal leadership team, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Among reforms Scirotto planned was to create a multi-cultural liaison unit to expand officers roles as liaisons to key groups that have traditionally been marginalized and undeserved. Speaking to CNN affiliate WFOR, Scirotto said the investigation was built on hearsay, and lacked testimony, transcript and audio. After a year of uncertainty, putting this behind us and being able to move forward is going to be a positive for everybody on the police department, Diaz said. After less than a year on the job, Fort Lauderdale's top cop is being fired after an investigation into employee complaints. We want to really have a police department that is focused on 21st century modern policing, Lagerbloom said. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has been without a permanent leader since July 9. 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. Roln received criticism from some officers over the past year for pandering to the community in response to demands for reform and failing to support and defend officers against anti-police rhetoric, an officer survey showed. Three of the semifinalists named by the City of Fort Lauderdale were internal: Interim Assistant Chief Frank Sousa, Maj. Dana Swisher and Capt. He plans to stay onboard for awhile to help with the transition, Lagerbloom said. Karen Dietrich, an assistant chief who came up through the ranks, took over as interim chief the same day Maglione was demoted. I wont allow them to tarnish my reputation. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The city of Fort Lauderdale has identified a "sole finalist" for its chief of police position. When sworn in as chief, Roln said he would prioritize officer wellbeing and pursue de-escalation and mass-casualty incident training for officers. He followed up with an email. 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. [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. Scirotto told CNN Saturday the report that triggered his termination from the department was vague on the facts, and was largely based on hearsay. The report said Scirotto once pointed to a conference room wall displaying photos of the departments command staff and stated, that wall is too white, and Im gonna change that.. 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. The first round of applications did not measure up to the expectations of the city manager, Trantalis said. I stand with my Jewish friends, and Im honored to be on your hit list. But the former police chief has said he plans to maintain his position on the issue. I see it as him taking the time to make sure the right person gets hired. Receive the latest law enforcement in-depth information, news and products. 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. Dietrich has been in charge of the agencys 530 sworn officers and 179 civilians since July 9, when Lagerbloomdemoted Rick Maglionefrom chief to major. Lynn has been in law enforcement for 35 years beginning as began as a patrol officer with the City of Pembroke Pines Police Department in 1982. More , Click for details. 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. 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. Documents obtained from city officials by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel earlier this month show three internal candidates under consideration for police chief and five police officials from across Florida and the nation. More , Click for details and safety tips. Fort Lauderdale officials have indicated the city could rescind promotions made on Scirottos watch. Four officers three white and one Hispanic filed EEOC complaints alleging that the chief was promoting unfairly. The acting police chief will be Luis Alvarez, who is currently an assistant chief. The report followed several. said attorney Christina Currie, who used to head the Fort Lauderdale Citizens Investigative Panel. Scirotto denied asking which candidate was blacker when deciding on the promotion, but admitted to making comments about the wall being too white, because he felt it was not reflective of the community, according to the report. 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. 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. Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan. Provide a safe and orderly environment in our city through professionalism, dedication, an active partnership with the community and concern for individual dignity. "I want a great relationship with people in our community who havent had access in the past," Scirotto said at the time. Seven contenders are in line to lead Fort Lauderdales police department. Did you encounter any technical issues? Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. I think this gives the city manager more breathing room to find someone suitable to lead the department. 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. The city manager is taking his time, Glassman said. Units of the Office of the Chief of Police. Some officers seem to revel in the return fire. 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. 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. More FLPD Seeks to Identify Man Captured on Video Near Homicide Scene The investigation concluded that during his time as police chief, Scirotto implemented an approach to hiring and promotion that was unfairly focused on minority candidates. He was also a member of the Tallahassee Police Department from 1988 until 2011. RELATED: Pop his ass. Bodycam videos show protesters throwing things at police. 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. As chief, Scirotto promises to bring accountability to the department and to treat everyone fairly. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 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. NBC 6's Julie Leonardi reports, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The departments rank and file are eager to see a new leader named, said Detective Brandon Diaz, police union president. 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. I believe weve found that.. 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. Top 10 Police Chief CandidatesSelect the candidates name to see their resume. Luis Cabrera, deputy chief in Miami. 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. Scirotto has a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Ashworth University and a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. In a statement the city said it had decided to cut ties with the police chief, who was not on a contract, saying: After 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.. Fort Lauderdale Police Department | Home Home News Sitemap Contact Us Employee Recognition-Complaint Hotline 954-828-6956 RSS Home About FLPD News Community Solve Crimes Employment FAQs Help Us Find Sophie Reeder Click for details on her case and to see how you can help. They are trained in Critical Incident Stress Symptoms and Management as well as Fort Lauderdale Police Policies and Procedures. They were promoted because they were the best candidates.. Lagerbloom now has a new plan: appoint a new interim chief from outside the department who is not interested in the job. 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 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. 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. Roln declined to comment on the application process. "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. Chief Greg Allen joined the El Paso Police Department in 1978, starting off patrolling Central and the West Side. 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. Chicago Losing Officers to Florida Agencies. We were looking for someone who would be a collaborative leader, both with the community and the rank and file. Get updates on developing stories as they happen with our free breaking news email alerts. It cited 21 witnesses on Scirottos hiring and promotion practices. 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. Previous chief Rick Maglione was reassigned in July 2020. 2023 Cable News Network. That means Karen Dietrichs days as interim chief are numbered. Updated 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. This is a movement. As of last month, it employed 690 officers out of an authorized strength of 939, leaving more than a quarter of sworn officer positions vacant. 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. Willie Dennard, captain . Christina Currie, chair of the citizens police review board, says Lagerbloom picked the right guy to bring change to the department. Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale has hired a new police chief just 19 days after the firing of former Chief Larry Scirotto. Ron DeSantis was doing some of the recruitment himself on Monday.