Memo: Lake Wales moving on from police chief after nepotism, favoritism allegations
LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — Lake Wales will have a new job opening for police chief come April, according to a memo obtained by News Channel 8 from the city of Lake Wales.
In the letter from Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton to Police Chief Chris Velasquez, it states there have been “repeated public concerns” involving the appearance of nepotism within the police department and the perception of a lack of transparency.
Slaton said an investigation began after a complaint from the Poor & Minority Justice Association regarding a recent promotion of Dale Hampton to lieutenant.
Lake Wales could regain ownership of historic Walesbilt Hotel
The group alleged the promotion was motivated by race and at least one candidate was ineligible for promotion at the time of his interview.
While the investigation did not find evidence of a racial bias, it did find “an appearance of unfairness in the process was evident as a result of deviations from past promotional practices and the amendment of minimum qualification requirements in the position announcement,” Slaton wrote.
As a result, the city is reopening Hampton’s Lieutenant position to applications.
Hampton attended an unrelated news conference Tuesday at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Hampton told News Channel 8 reporter Staci DaSilva he was not aware of the memo or anything involving his or the police chief’s job status.
He stated he has worked for the department for 20 years and would gladly return to his position as sergeant.
Hampton said he is unsure if he will reapply for the Lieutenant position and declined to comment further.
The memo goes on to state several police officers have expressed concerns about recent promotions.
‘I don’t see my family’: Polk County has ‘high priority shortage’ of large animal veterinarians
According to Slaton, Chief Velasquez recently requested approval to hire a Sergeant’s daughter.
“The mere appearance of nepotism or favoritism causes low morale among the department personnel and erodes public confidence,” the memo states.
Slaton said Chief Velasquez will be given three unpaid days off beginning March 18 in response to the “promotional process.”
In addition, Slaton said he will advertise a search for a new police chief in April and said Chief Velasquez can stay in his position until a new chief is appointed.
“I have been too involved in the administration of the Police department during my tenure as City Manager in an effort to find solutions to concerns raised by the community,” Slaton wrote in the memo. “I acknowledge your contributions and dedication to the department during your time as Police Chief, however, in the best interest of the department and the community, it is time for new leadership to address the challenges we face.”
According to a biography on the City of Lake Wales website, Chief Velasquez began working at the Lake Wales Police Department in 1992 and became chief in 2011.
A Lake Wales Police spokesperson said the department is referring media inquiries to the city.
City Marketing and Communications Specialist Eric Marshall said the city has no further comment at this time.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
