Firm selected for Cathedral City Police Chief investigation

Cathedral City has announced they have selected the outside firm that will be handling the investigation into Cathedral City Police Chief Travis Walker.

On May 3, the city announced that Walker was placed on administrative leave. City Manager Charles McClendon told News Channel 3 this was due to “a complaint that was brought against him to the city.”

Cathedral City Mayor Mark Carnevale said it was an internal personnel matter and that the council had not informed about anything else related to the investigation.

Walker said in a statement to News Channel 3, “Sadly, due to the lack of information regarding the alleged allegation… I can’t comment on this yet. I support and respect the process that must be followed by the city, and may comment later once I know more.”

McClendon had said the city was going to hire an outside firm to conduct the investigation.

“We are committed to a thorough an impartial investigation with the objective of getting to the facts,” McClendon said.

Chris Parman, Cathedral City’s communications and events manager, confirmed today the city has retained the Employment Risk Management Authority to conduct the investigation

Parman said the city is unable to comment further on the matter, citing confidentiality reasons.

Deputy Chief Anthony Yoakum has been serving as the acting police chief while Walker is on leave. Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

Walker became chief in November 2017, taking over for Chief George Crum when he retired. He served as deputy chief under Crum before his promotion. Before coming to CCPD in 2016, Walker served with San Bernardino Police Department. He has over two decades of law enforcement experience