6 Officers Demoted in Department Overhaul
The South Pasadena Police Department has demoted three lieutenants and three sergeants and cut their pay as part of an effort to put more police officers on the streets.
City Manager Sean Joyce said the demotions are not punitive, but part of a restructuring plan designed to put more of the department’s 33 sworn officers in the field.
“The restructuring is a result of Interim Chief [John] Anderson’s review of the department,” Joyce said. “The police officers have been informed of the reduction in rank and can either take it or leave the department.”
The officers have until next month to decide.
The loss of rank was done on a seniority basis, officials said. The decision will mean that the department does not have lieutenants. Lts. Joyce Ezzell, Joseph Payne and Douglas Brown will all become sergeants if they choose to accept the demotion.
A report released in January by investigators hired by the city to review the department in the wake of a series of scandals found it to be top-heavy with management.
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