The town of Eatonville has a new police chief. Acting Chief Joseph Jenkins is the third to hold the position in a year.
Channel 9's Mario Boone found records that show Jenkins had just returned from a two-month suspension and had been recommended for firing.
An Internal Affairs file obtained by Boone shows that Jenkins, whotook over the top police job, was told by former Eatonville Chief Eric McIntyre that he was about to be fired after a finding that Jenkins conducted an illegal search of a 14-year-old boy.
Prior to that Jenkins had been suspended with pay for eight weeks.
According to a memo, Jenkins got back his gun and badge Oct. 14, buthad limited powers pending termination.
"It's going to be impossible for that department to get stabilized under those conditions," law enforcement expert Chuck Drago said.
Some of Jenkins' on-duty restrictions included being accompanied at all times by a supervisor or field training officer.
Jenkins wouldn't comment when Boone tried to talk to him.
Drago told Boone that putting Jenkins in charge will shatter public trust in the force.
"They need to bring someone in from the outside who can fix the problems there," Drago said.
McIntyre, who was fired by the mayor, has hired a lawyer to fight his termination.
Prior to McIntyre's firing, Chief Gene Bernal stepped down, citing a dispute with Mayor Anthony Grant.
Channel 9's Mario Boone found records that show Jenkins had just returned from a two-month suspension and had been recommended for firing.
An Internal Affairs file obtained by Boone shows that Jenkins, who
Prior to that Jenkins had been suspended with pay for eight weeks.
According to a memo, Jenkins got back his gun and badge Oct. 14, but
"It's going to be impossible for that department to get stabilized under those conditions," law enforcement expert Chuck Drago said.
Some of Jenkins' on-duty restrictions included being accompanied at all times by a supervisor or field training officer.
Jenkins wouldn't comment when Boone tried to talk to him.
Drago told Boone that putting Jenkins in charge will shatter public trust in the force.
"They need to bring someone in from the outside who can fix the problems there," Drago said.
McIntyre, who was fired by the mayor, has hired a lawyer to fight his termination.
Prior to McIntyre's firing, Chief Gene Bernal stepped down, citing a dispute with Mayor Anthony Grant.
WFTV