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GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT The Honorable Jack Evans FEB 20, 1998 Dear Chairman Evans: The purpose of this letter is to respond to your request of February 17, 1998, in which you sought information about the recent decisions affecting senior police personnel. You specifically requested the reasons for the "dismissals" of Commanders Reginald L. Smith, Winfred L. Stanley, and John C. Daniels. You also requested justifications for the promotions of Inspectors Lloyd L. Coward, Jr., Joseph J. Adamany, Jr., Stanly [sic] E. Wigenton and Captain William P. McManus to Commander, and the promotions of Captains Michael J. Radzilowski, Brian K. Jordan and Jose Acosta to Inspector. On February 26, 1997, the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority approved a Resolution, Order and Recommendations Concerning the Metropolitan Police Department. In paragraph 2 of the Order, the Authority delegated its authority under Section 5204(a) of Public Law 104-208 to the Chief of Police to determine individuals above the rank of captain whose employment by the District government is no longer required. Paragraph 6 of the Order exempted the Metropolitan Police Department and the Chief of Police from the provisions of the District of Columbia Code, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations and District Personnel Manual governing appointment of officers to the rank of inspector and above. Subsequent to this order, the Mayor issued an order delegating personnel authority to the Chief of Police. Thus empowered, the Chief of Police developed regulations, with the approval of the Authority, to implement the Order. By virtue of this authority, I could have determined that the services of Commanders Smith, Stanley and Daniels were no longer required by the District government. Instead, I offered them the opportunity to exercise their options to retire. Each commander elected to retire. Pursuant to the authority vested in me by paragraph 6 of the Authority's February 26, 1997 Order, as well as pursuant to the delegation of personnel authority to me by the Mayor, and in accordance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to these delegations, I determined that the aforementioned promotions were appropriate. In my estimation, these individuals each possess the highest degree of integrity, professional experience and continued commitment to the new operating model embraced by the Metropolitan Police Department. In my judgment they are the best candidates to fill the vacant positions. I have been entrusted with full authority to manage this agency without political interference in order to accomplish our mission to eliminate crime, fear of crime and general disorder, while establishing respect and trust within the community. The Metropolitan Police Department Charter requires the Chief of Police to develop and execute effective strategies to accomplish the mission. The Charter also designates the Chief as the individual responsible and accountable for all activities involving the Department. I intend to carry out that responsibility and I remain accountable for my actions. I am committed to ensuring that the Department has in place a management team that will deliver quality police services to the community. Although we had great success in reducing crime last year, the community is still demanding solutions to the crime and disorder problems that it perceives still exist. The challenge facing the Department is to identify what it can do now and in the future to satisfy the community's expectations for solutions to public safety problems, including the perception that there is too much crime and that there is persistent disorder in our neighborhoods. As you are aware, I have promised to deliver an additional 15% reduction in crime this year. I firmly believe that my personnel decisions will go a long way to accomplishing that goal. I trust that this information is responsive to your requests. If I can be of any further assistance, please notify me. Sincerely, Sonya T. Proctor |
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