A debate is emerging within the Fort Pierce Police Department to determine if its next police chief should come from an internal promotion or external hire, according to new documents WPTV received from a public records request.
The position has remained unfilled since Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burnley resigned in May. Her resignation came after a report made an extensive request for recommendations for the agency, even though it found the agency performed quality law enforcement services.
Fort Pierce police chief search: Debate emerges on who to hire
WPTV also obtained a union survey revealing a deep dissatisfaction among Fort Pierce police officers, who critiqued the chief over her lack of visibility within the department and a “hostile” work environment.
WPTV anchor Meghan McRoberts also reported on an internal investigation that found decades of mismanaged evidence, ultimately leading to cases being dropped or people losing personal belongings…