Capt. Robert Burton hopes to one day become a police chief, but as he steps into the lead role temporarily at the Paso Robles Police Department after Lisa Solomon's controversial resignation, he said now is not the right time.
"This is not about me. It's about the healing of our department and our city," said Burton, who has been with the Paso Robles police for about 16 years.
"It's my feeling that people want to see someone to validate that this is a good department and that needs an outside perspective," he added.
The department's new permanent leader would be tasked with bringing the force to stability after heated allegations against the former chief, along with years of budget cuts and a reduction in the number of officers, have stressed the agency.
It could take six to nine months to find a permanent chief, according to the city. That process is set to begin in the coming weeks.
Although there have been setbacks, Burton said the Police Department employees are dedicated, talented individuals who are looking ahead.
"The sentiment among those I've talked to is they're tired of the distractions and want to continue to serve," Burton said. "We need to look forward ... and create a new path for ourselves."
Solomon, chief since 2007, stepped down last month after she reached a settlement with the city that pays her $250,000 to leave her job. Today is her last day, marking the end of her 26-year career in law enforcement.
During recent months, she became the center of public criticism after former Officer Brennan Lux accused her of inappropriate sexual contact and former Officer Jon Tatro named her in a lawsuit alleging an illegal traffic-ticket quota. Solomon, 43, has declined to comment on the suit and the formal complaint. On Friday, she said that she doesn't plan to seek a new job but would like to volunteer and spend time with family.
Moving forward
City Manager Jim App asked that Burton step in during the transition. As second-in-command in the department, Burton has traditionally done so anytime Solomon was away.
The 46-year-old Cal Poly graduate and San Luis Obispo native said he was drawn to law enforcement and completing police academy training 18 years ago as a second career after working in the printing manufacturing industry.
Aside from Paso Robles police, Burton has also been a correctional officer at the San Luis Obispo County Jail and worked for the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
"And I've loved it ever since," he said. "Every call is a little bit different. And, like myself, you like to help people and help resolve things for people."
Those sentiments are similar to what he plans to do as interim chief.
He will also keep his roles as captain, managing the department's roughly $8.3 million budget, working on grants, writing and implementing department policies and reviewing personnel matters.
"I think he's an excellent professional and absolutely has the skills to be doing what he's doing at this point," said San Luis Obispo police Capt. Chris Staley, who worked with Burton when they were San Luis Obispo officers in 1999. Staley also works alongside Burton now on regional law enforcement efforts.
Being available to the department, the Paso Robles Police Officers Association -- representing dispatchers, officers and sergeants -- and the public are among Burton's immediate goals.
"The (union) has recently elected key board members who have reached out to the Police Department's administration and city administrators to discuss recent events," Detective Michael Rickerd, the association's vice president, said in a statement.
"The board was pleased that both were receptive and available to address our concerns, and we hope to continue this open communication for the betterment of our department and community," Rickerd said.
Burton plans to address any concerns he can and "pass that information on to the new leader and get that person up to speed to move us further down the road," he said.
Carrying over the department's objective to beef up enforcement on gang crimes, narcotics and patrols is also a goal, Burton said. Earlier this year, Solomon asked the Paso Robles City Council for three new officers -- two of whom would form a task force that would focus on gang and drug prevention.
She also requested $90,000 annually to buy into the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Narcotics and Gang Task Force. Last month, the council said no to the new hires but approved the money for the countywide task force.
When the new hires weren't approved, Burton stepped in and instead asked for just one officer for the county task force at $120,000 annually.
"For $30,000 more, it gave us more representation and direct access for the task force," he said of placing a person on the task force rather than just the funding. "I argued that I'd prefer to have a police officer because it's beneficial to have that presence."
That person will be hired after July 1.
The department is also seeking to restore the patrol division to 20 officers.
With two new hires now in training, the department has 18 patrol officers on the street and one offer letter in for a new hire. Burton is still hiring for one more patrol officer in addition to seeking the new hire for the county task force.
The city has not yet determined specifics, but App said that the search for a permanent chief would generally be statewide, with possible help from a search firm to help solicit and screen candidates.
The finalists would undergo an interview, in-depth background check and City Council review. The base salary for the chief's position would range from $124,000 to $157,644 after July 1, according to the city's compensation plan for nonunionized employees.
Internal and external candidates can apply.
Copyright 2012 - The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
