November 16, 2008

City Manager, ‘Angel R. Escobar, has placed Police Chief Bryan Smith on administrative leave with pay effective November 15, 2008. Assistant Police Chief, Mike Walsh has assumed duties as Acting Police Chief while Smith is on administrative leave. Due to the nature of the personnel issues involved in the investigation, the City will not release any additional information at this time. At the conclusion of the investigation and administrative leave, the City will make available public information connected to the investigation as prescribed by law.

You may recall Smith was the center of a city investigation into accusations he made disparaging remarks about city officials and members of the police force. Sources close to the investigation say those remarks were left on a captain's voice mail, the chief had accidental dialed during a private meeting. The comments were said to be directed at city council members and police staffers. The investigation began October 28th and initially was expected to take a few days but it was extended on Friday.

Watch 3 News at 10 for the very latest information on this developing story.