‘I didn’t do anything wrong’: Auckland police chief demands reinstatement

OAKLAND, CA (KGO) — We’re hearing for the first time from Auckland Police Chief Leron Armstrong, who is on alert after Mayor Sheng Tao put him on paid leave. This follows an investigation that found that the chief failed to properly investigate the officer’s alleged misconduct.

On Monday, the boss demanded reinstatement during a rare press conference.

“I deserve the city of Oakland to immediately reinstate me as chief of police,” Chief Armstrong said.

Armstrong made it clear that he wanted to return to his work. “I have to stay in my post, I didn’t do anything wrong, I didn’t break the policy,” he added.

Armstrong called a rare press conference five days after he was placed on paid administrative leave by Mayor Sheng Tao for alleged “dereliction of duty” after a report showed that a superior failed to properly investigate the misconduct of one of his sergeants. This sergeant allegedly left the scene of the collision and did not report it. Later, the same sergeant emptied his pistol in the OPD headquarters elevator.

Armstrong said he followed protocol on both occasions.

“I placed this officer on administrative leave as a result of this, but neither the department nor myself as chief of police ever had the opportunity to really participate in the investigation or disciplinary process because it was taken by the federal monitor who took over the investigation. out of my hands so he can handle it himself.”

OPD has been under federal supervision for 20 years. Armstrong and his attorney say federal watchdog Robert Warshaw is interested in the case.

“The federal supervisor in this case has a very clear vested interest in what he did by creating a crisis that will extend the supervisor’s contract where he makes a lot of money,” chief attorney Will Edelman said.

“Our police commission is ready to intervene and monitor this department. For me, this is clearly the latest attempt to destroy the credibility of me and the department and make the public believe that the OPD is involved in a shady business. Yes,” Armstrong said.

Mayor Tao must decide whether Chief Armstrong stays or leaves.

“Until we have the full picture, I cannot stand here and tell you that the decision has been made,” Mayor Tao said.

Advisor Noel Gallo provides support.

“Let’s move on and let our boss do his job and let the taxpayers put that money into more cops on the street,” Gallo said.

ABC7 News has reached out to the federal monitor OPD for comment, but no response so far.

If you are on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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