Photo: Courtesy / Supplied by SAPD
Public officials of the city of Santa Ana expressed their support for the head of the Police Department, David Valentín , who has received criticism from the leadership of the Association of Police Officers of the town as an attempt to discredit him to remove him from office.
“While I respect the views of our officers and their right to collectively bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions, only the city manager has the responsibility to decide who performs this essential safety function. public ”, expressed the mayor of Santa Ana, Vicente Sarmiento, in a statement .
STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF SANTA ANA https://t.co/f3WjJlrVnF
– SantaAnaPD (@SantaAnaPD) September 2, 2021
“The Chief of Police (David) Valentín you have my full support and trust. The community must be sure that our police department will continue to operate professionally and ethically despite the distractions that arise from a personal problem, rather than a structural one, “added the mayor.
Local media reported that the Santa Ana Police Officers Association asked its members for a vote of no confidence against Valentín by questioning his ability to lead the Department.
Has received police chief political attacks for three years
The command assured that he has been the target of a personal and political attack since he took responsibility in February 2018.
Valentín joined the Santa Ana Police Department in 1990 .
In its statement, the city of Santa Ana declared to be aware that the president of the Association of Santa Ana Police Officers Gerry Serrano threatened to lead a movement against Valentín with the vote of no confidence from his members .
“Because this directly involves the police department and has a critical impact on public safety, residents must understand that the result of this unjustified vote is the result of the city hold Mr. Serrano, who is currently on paid administrative leave, responsible for his alleged actions, inappropriate influence, and intimidation of city personnel, ”declared Santa Ana public officials in their brief.
“No police chief wants to face a vote of no confidence. It is an action aimed at correcting significant deficiencies in the organization or in the performance or leadership of the boss. This is absolutely not the case. This vote is not based on real legitimate reasons. Rather, it is the result of Mr. Serrano continuing with his personal and political attack against the Chief ”, reiterated the Santa Ana authorities.
Valentin stated that will continue with his work at the head of the Santa Ana Police Department .
“I will continue diligently and effectively to lead the women and men dedicated to this Department, serving the 340, 000 residents of Santa Ana, ”he stated.
“This unjustified vote does not distract, disturb or in any way dissuade me or the members of this Department from effectively providing public safety services to the needs of the community to which we have sworn to serve, ”added the Santa Ana Police Chief.
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