Orlando's new police chief wasted no time in making his mark on the department Thursday, utilizing his first speech as sworn-in top cop to lay out his vision for the future and announce a change in policy.
Paul Rooney was officially sworn in as the city's 37th chief by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Thursday morning, in a ceremony at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando.
Rooney has been with the Orlando Police Department for 24 years, and most recently ran the Patrol Division, the department's largest section. He replaces retiring ChiefVal Demings.
In a short and focused speech, Rooney announced plans to change department policy by requiring officers to wear bullet-proof vests whenever they're on duty.
"First and foremost is, and always will be, the safety of our officers as they protect and serve the citizens, business owners and visitors of our community," Rooney said.
Rooney spoke at length about the dangers faced by officers on duty, referencing the recent killings of St. Petersburg police Officer David Crawford and Orange County Deputy Brandon Coates.
"I think we all would agree that the streets are more dangerous than ever," Rooney said. He said that there will be no additional cost for the policy change, as the officers are already issued the vests.
Rooney also promised to combat domestic violence more aggressively. He said officers will work more closely with community and educational programs, as well as the court system.
Rooney said OPD will continue to commit to "intelligence led policing," focusing on "offenders over being reactive to offenses." He also said officers will become more involved with the elderly community.
It was a morning of pomp and circumstance, complete with bagpipes and drums of the Orlando Fire Department.
The audience was full of officials from area agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, and officials from Winter Park, the University of Central Florida and Windermere, and Orlando's City Council, among others.
There were also three former Orlando police chiefs in attendance: Demings' husband, Orange Sheriff Jerry Demings, as well as former chiefs Mike McCoy, now Windermere's chief, and Tom Hurlburt.
Chief Demings' retirement speech was one of reflection. Demings fondly recalled telling her parents almost three decades ago she planned to forgo law school and become an Orlando police officer.
Demings referred to herself as "the youngest child of a maid and a janitor" in an impassioned speech. "I ask you to take a good look this morning," she said, "for I am the American dream."
To her former employees at the Police Department, Demings said "it's been a good run, and you have so much to be proud of." OPD, she said, "is going to be ok, because OPD is in good hands."
Introducing Rooney, the city's mayor said he's confident the new chief "will be relentless in his efforts to combat crime in our city." Dyer and Rooney both also heaped praise on Demings in their remarks.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Rooney described the feeling of being sworn in as chief as "awesome," calling it an honor and a blessing. "Words can't describe it," he said.
Rooney also faced tough questions about recent controversies involving accusations of police brutality. Just a day before the ceremony, the department was informed it will face another lawsuit.
Lisa Wareham, a 20-year-old who claims an officer slammed her to the pavement during an incident in February, informed the city of her plans to sue on Wednesday. The incident was captured on camera.
The city also faces a lawsuit in a September incident involving Daniel Daley, an 85-year-old whose neck was broken during an altercation with an officer. The officer was cleared of wrongdoing by OPD.
Rooney promised a "thorough and detailed investigation" of any use of force. "I'm not going to stand up here and say that the officers don't make mistakes," he said.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
