SAN DIEGO POLICE CHIEF STEPS DOWN

By Nadin Abbott

February 26, 2014 (San Diego) Chief William Lansdowne has announced he will step down as the San Diego Police Chief effective on March 3. This comes amid a series of scandals involving the police force.

The first of these was Officer William Arevalos, who was convicted of sexually assaulting female subjects in 2011 instead of giving them tickets in the Gaslamp district. Two of his convictions were vacated by a judge on Tuesday on a technicality, so Arevalos could be released relatively soon, and a new sentencing hearing held.

More recently, Officer Christopher Hays and Officer Donald Moncrief  were accused of sexual harassment by women. Officer Hays has since resigned from the force and has been charged with felony and misdemeanor charges over his treatment of female suspects. Montcrief has been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues. 

Over the weekend, a San Diego Police Detective and 16-year veteran of the force was charged with driving under the influence, though the identity of the officer has not been released.

Last week, Chief Lansdowne called for a top down review of the department, but yesterday the Chief decided to step down after ten years of service as San Diego’s top cop. This statement was later issued by the Police Department:

"San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne is announcing his retirement from the San Diego Police Department, effective Monday March 3, 2014.  The Chief has served the citizens of San Diego for over 10 years and has successfully led the Department through countless critical events. Although Mayor Elect Kevin Faulconer did not ask for the Police Chief to resign, Chief Lansdowne felt it was time to do so.  The Chief absolutely supports the new Mayor and believes in his vision and direction for the City.This was a difficult decision for Chief Lansdowne to make as he considers San Diego his home and truly values the citizens of this city and the employees who work here."

Sheriff Bill Gore issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Chief Landsdowne.

"San Diego Police Chief Bill Lansdowne has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in law enforcement," said Sheriff Bill Gore. "He has led the department through one of the most difficult fiscal times in the city's history and enjoyed many years of reduced crime through his leadership and foresight. In my 44 years in law enforcement, I have never been associated with anyone who worked harder or gave more of himself than Bill Lansdowne. I believe Chief Lansdowne has positioned the San Diego Police Department –one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country – in a good place, by requesting an outside audit. This will ensure the public's confidence in the fine men and women who work so hard to keep San Diego safe. Bill is not only a trusted colleague, but a good friend and partner. I wish him and his wife, Sharon every happiness they deserve."