Troubled Pacific mayor brings in controversial police chief
Apr 3, 2013, 9:19 PM | Updated: Apr 4, 2013, 11:19 am
Sun said he sought out Spicuzza for the Pacific job because of her "expertise, experience and integrity." (File Photo)
(File Photo)
The mayor of the troubled city of Pacific has brought in a controversial police chief to temporarily replace the one he put on paid administrative leave.
Mayor Cy Sun Wednesday announced that he hired former University of California-Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza to serve as interim public safety director in the absence of Police Chief John Calkins.
Sun put Calkins and Lieutenant Edwin Massey on leave during an investigation of harassment and intimidation. He said it was “for their own safety,” but declined to elaborate further.
Spicuzza resigned from her post at UC Davis in April 2012 after a controversial incident at an Occupy rally on the campus in November 2011, during which her officers pepper sprayed student protesters who were engaged in a peaceful demonstration.
Sun said he sought out Spicuzza for the Pacific job because of her “expertise, experience and integrity.”
“She’s willing to work as a team and willing to help us,” Sun told KIRO Radio. “She came to help me.”
Sun said Spicuzza moved from California to take the job, despite not knowing how long she’ll have it or how much she’ll get paid. He said he was “shocked” she accepted his offer given that he is the subject of a recall effort.
City councilman Gary Hulsey told KING 5 Sun has no authority to hire an interim chief without council approval.
