Police Vote Criticizes Mayor, City Manager

The Police Officers Assn. overwhelmingly voted “no confidence” in the mayor and city manager as a result of last summer’s removal of the city’s police chief and a top captain, officers announced Monday.

“The mayor and city manager have allowed the Police Department to become extremely politicized,” said Det. Ed Aguirre, president of the association. “Morale within the ranks has deteriorated and the efficiency of the department has been reduced.”

A city spokesman could not be reached for comment.

The results of the “no confidence” vote, taken at a Saturday association membership meeting, will be presented tonight to the Compton City Council, Aguirre said.

In August, Compton city officials abruptly placed Police Chief Hourie Taylor and Capt. Percy Perrodin, the department’s second in command, on administrative leave. At the time, city officials would not comment on the action. The city still has not issued a public statement explaining why Taylor and Perrodin were placed on leave.

“Our association has pledged to support Chief Taylor and Capt. Perrodin, who were removed from their positions without any cause,” Aguirre said. “Police officers are tired of being embarrassed by the mayor.”

Mayor Omar Bradley is the target of a recall petition prompted by city staff problems, including the controversy over the removals. The petition has raised other questions about Bradley, including his vote to give $50,000 to a Meals on Wheels program run by his aunt, who is on the council.

It also challenged recent council votes to increase car allowances and provide credit cards to council members.