DHS Police Leadership Questioned In Union Survey

A recent survey conducted by the Desert Hot Springs Police Officers Association suggests there is low morale in the department — along with poor communication and mistrust between officers and the command staff — including Chief Patrick Williams.

But the chief says the survey is not the reality.

“It doesn’t reflect what I know to be true in the organization. I have relationships with all my employees — a history of seeking their input on department operations,” said Chief Williams.

The DHS Police Officers Association says it sent the survey to 26 members and got 17 responses.

But Sgt. Kenneth Peary, the association’s vice-president, says the survey was never meant to go public.

“It’s out there. It wasn’t intended to be out there,” said Peary.

There is public speculation the survey was a political move by the association’s president, Officer Paul Tapia, who’s been in a dispute with the department over his handling of a Christmas toy drive last year.

Chief Williams wouldn’t say whether he felt the survey is politically motivated.

“I’ll let others speculate on that. People can draw their own conclusions about the timing and the circumstances surrounding the release of that survey,” said Williams.

Officer Tapia did not return a call from News Channel 3.

Chief Williams says the survey is an unnecessary distraction. Sergeant Peary agrees.

Peary also showed support when asked about how the department’s command staff is doing it’s job.

“They have done, in my personal opinion, they have done nothing but good for this organization,” said Peary.

Both sides say they now just want to move forward.

“Whatever results were in this survey do not affect the service we provide and that’s what we’re sticking with. We’re here to do a job and we’re doing it,” said Peary.

“We’ve got the hardest working cops in the valley. And i’m committed to supporting their efforts and helping us get better,” added Williams.