MESSAGE FROM VANCOUVER POLICE CHIEF COOK
Posted: March 5th, 2010 4:46 PM
A message to the citizens of Vancouver:
Yesterday, the Vancouver Police Officers Guild, the union representing most Vancouver Police Officers, announced a proposed vote of no confidence regarding my leadership of the Vancouver Police Department. The Union leadership's proposed vote is not based upon a rational analysis of my leadership or that of my Command staff. Their proposal is intended to resist greater transparency, protect Union interests, maintain a culture opposed to reform and weaken our efforts toward professional accountability.
Over the past three years, my efforts have been focused upon greater transparency with the public, increased accountability within the department and a safer city for Vancouver residents. This vision is based upon an overriding mission of providing professional, quality law enforcement services to the public. To accomplish this, we have restructured the organization, increased staffing in patrol, emphasized community policing programs and placed greater operational responsibility at the neighborhood and precinct levels of our department. These efforts have included the reinstatement of the School Resource Officer Program, implementation of an effective Neighborhood Patrol Officer program, integration of crime analysis in our deployment planning and establishment of a citizen volunteer program to patrol our neighborhoods (NOW). We have made progress, primarily due to the dedication of individual officers, department support staff, the City Manager's office, our City Counci
l and residents of our city. Over time, however, Union leaders have opposed these changes and been unwilling to adapt to the changing needs of our community.
As Chief, it is my responsibility to maintain core law enforcement services to this community. Unfortunately, my efforts have been hampered by the budgetary challenges resulting from the current economic crisis. This crisis has required staffing and service reductions across the City, to include the Vancouver Police Department. I understand such decisions create a great deal of anxiety within our department and are unpopular with Union leaders. However, like the citizens we serve, we must adapt to this environment and function within our limited budget.
During my tenure, I have also emphasized and communicated a commitment to high standards of ethical and professional conduct within this department. I have demonstrated this commitment by implementing an Action Plan focused on increased transparency and accountability at all levels of the agency. These reforms are consistent with a third-party, independent report produced by the Matrix Group. Sadly, Union leadership has opposed many of our reform efforts and been highly critical of my disciplinary decisions regarding unethical conduct by department personnel.
As Chief I will not compromise the ethics and integrity of this department in exchange for Union popularity. I am steadfast in my belief that the political interests of a single labor organization should not outweigh the interests of the community we serve. To that end, I will continue my efforts toward reform while remaining open to constructive collaboration with Union leadership. It is my sincere desire that Union leaders join with me in this effort and demonstrate they are willing to move away from political posturing to ensure the future of our department and this community.
Clifford R. Cook
Chief of Police, City of Vancouver, Washington
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