Split Council Awaits Report on Police Chief

City Council members split Tuesday over the issue of Police Chief John R. Robertson, who was placed on administrative leave last month pending an investigation into hostile workplace allegations.

City Atty. David A. De Berry said a final report from private attorneys hired by the council to investigate the claims will not be ready until next week at the earliest.

But Councilman Mike Alvarez said the evidence he has heard to date has failed to sway him from fully supporting Robertson.

Councilman Dan Slater suggested that the council pass a resolution commending the chief for his past accomplishments over the five years of his tenure. Councilman Mark Murphy said he would support such a resolution, but only if there was a second one commending the entire Police Department.

De Berry told council members he felt it was inappropriate for them to state their opinions on Robertson’s case until the investigation is complete.

The council agreed to postpone action on the proposed resolutions until that time.