LONG BEACH : City Manager Upholds Firing of Police Chief
Fired Long Beach Police Chief Lawrence Binkley learned Tuesday that his appeal seeking to win back his job was rejected by City Manager James Hankla.
Binkley’s attorney, Barry Levin, called the city’s investigation of the former chief, as well as the appeal process, “a kangaroo court.” Levin said he did not know whether Binkley plans to pursue legal action.
Hankla fired Binkley on Jan. 17, saying that he had lost confidence in the former chief’s leadership and judgment following complaints from police commanders that centered on Binkley’s management style. Last week, Binkley appealed to Hankla’s designated arbitrator, Long Beach Redevelopment Agency board member Jud Schoendorf, who recommended against reinstating the chief in a seven-page letter, according to Levin. Hankla then decided to uphold the firing.
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