Indio Police Employee: Chief Offers ‘Lip Service’ Rather Than Solutions
Last winter, dozens of Indio Police Department employees took an anonymous survey conducted by the police union.
The survey consisted of 33 questions over 7 pages. It covered everything from staffing levels, to morale to Chief Brad Ramos’ performance.
The results of the survey were negative. The employees that filled out the survey gave Romos four points on a 10-point scale.
One employee even wrote, “The chief’s performance is unacceptable. He does not care about his people as he is disconnected and offers ‘lip service’ rather than real solutions.”
The chief wanted to conduct an on-camera interview but when the higher ups at city hall found out about it, it was canceled.
In April, Chief Romos sent a letter to the police union. In it he fired back at their allegations by writing, “I do not get paid to be popular, but effective.”
Residents are concerned about infighting. When made aware of the results of the somewhat secretive survey, Salvador Gonzalez, an Indio resident said, “They need to work together for the safety of the city.”
According to the survey, another concern among employees is the amount of senior administration at the top and not enough officers on the streets. The survey states there are 30 patrol officers and 10 supervisors. Staffing levels were given a 3 out of 10 points.
It appears officers aren’t happy with cuts or the way they’re treated. Concerning the amount of officers on the street, on person wrote, “The appearance exists that the patrol division is the red headed step-child of the department.”
Recent budget cuts have left the city with a huge deficit to make up. Cuts have been made at the department. City officials wouldn’t talk with KESQ on camera but City Manager Dan Martinez gave us a state that reads in part, “These issues are common in many organizations especially during tough economic times.”
Other low points of the survey include the performance of the managers within the department. They were given threes and fours out of 10. The 911 dispatch center for Indio doesn’t have a full-time supervisor.
In a letter dated April 13, 2011, Chief Ramos refuted the survey results by writing “I have provided the necessary leadership for the city of Indio and its police department during extremely difficult times.”
Martinez wrote, “Both the chief of police and the police unions have agreed to work with me on addressing the internal issues raised in the survey.” KESQ tried to speak with the Indio Police Officers Association. It told us that for political reasons no one would talk about the survey.
