In a turn of events for the city of Fort Pierce, Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney has decided to step down from her position amid internal department issues. Announcing her resignation last night through an email to the City Manager and City Commission, Chief Hobley-Burney stated her departure would be effective 90 days after its acceptance by the Commission, as reported by WPBF 25 News.
The resignation follows a report that laid bare several problems within the police department, such as low staffing levels and difficulty retaining officers. Chief Hobley-Burney, in her resignation letter, pointed to challenges that have led to a decline in morale and trust within the department, exacerbated by what she referred to as a lack of support during a recent commission meeting. These words were echoed in a statement, Hobley-Burney penned, "Regrettably, comments made during the waning minutes of last Monday’s commission meeting have undermined trust, introducing division within the department and significantly eroding morale," CBS12 News reported.
Adding to the controversy, Larry Croom, a former employee of the Fort Pierce Police Department who worked under Chief Hobley-Burney, disclosed his concerns in an interview with CBS12 News. Croom painted a disturbing picture of the working conditions, highlighting a lack of both transparency and fundamental equipment for the officers. He suggested that the mandated overtime was having a negative impact on public safety, as fatigue among patrol officers could compromise their ability to protect the community effectively.
The City Commission, now tasked with the decision of accepting the chief's resignation, will hold a special meeting to discuss the state of the police department following the revelations in the Center for Public Safety Management's report. Notwithstanding the recent upheaval, Hobley-Burney made it a point to acknowledge in her resignation letter the dedication of Fort Pierce’s officers, "It is my earnest hope that the department continues to thrive and the heroes and sheroes who dedicate themselves daily to protecting our beautiful city are supported by you in their noble endeavors," CBS12 News included from the letter.
