Judge Issues Injunction Halting Restructuring Of Indio Police Department

A Riverside County Superior Court judge Monday granted an injunctionto prevent the city of Indio from reorganizing its police department.

The union that represents upper police management,the Police Command Unit, requested the injunction after filing suit against the city, charging the city with unfair labor practices.

In a cost-cutting move, the city wants to create two new police department positions: division commander and administrative services manager. At the same time, the city would eliminate the rank of captain and lieutenant.

“The salaries are a little higher than industry standard, sowe wanted to come up with new classifications that mirrored more what the industry standard is,” said Indio City Manager Dan Martinez.

The re-organization would involve a trickle-down effect of officers being demoted in rank.

A hearing on the lawsuit is set for September 10.