MPD Ass’t Chief Groomes on Administrative Leave – I Hope She is Able to Return Soon

The Post reported late Friday afternoon:

…a police spokeswoman said Lanier had placed Groomes on “administrative leave pending further investigation into an allegation that she was involved in compromising a test administered to some members of the command staff as part of their in-service training.”…

Groomes said last night that “I am sorry for my actions and bad judgment . . . and for the discredit I caused to the best chief, department . . . and city.”

There has already been a lot of support for Chief Groomes on various listservs throughout the city. I just wanted to publicly add my voice to that support. Of course, Chief Groomes made a mistake and she should face a reprimand for her action. Nevertheless, while MPD has many assets, Chief Groomes is hands down the most responsive and helpful MPD representative I have ever worked with. Often times readers write me about incidents and/or issues that I do not post about. Though, when possible, I do try to help the reader out and in that regard Chief Groomes has been invaluable. It does not matter if it is day, night, over the weekend or even while she is on vacation – Chief Groomes has always been able to provide help and/or guidance.

Our neighborhoods and our city will benefit greatly with Chief Groomes in a continued leadership position with MPD. I hope she is able to return soon.

After the jump a note from MPD’s temporary replacement – Assistant Chief Alfred Durham

From Neighborhood listservs:

“On Friday, November 19th Chief Cathy Lanier assigned me to temporarily command the Patrol Services and School Security Bureau. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the residents and visitors of the Third District. My name is Alfred Durham and I am an assistant chief of police with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). I have 23 years of law enforcement experience. My most recent assignment was executive officer for the department, which entailed a myriad of operational duties in direct support of the Executive Office of the Chief of Police in carrying out the mission and operational needs of the department. If there is anything that I can do to assist you as a community or an individual, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I will be monitoring communications on this listserv and ensuring that all concerns are addressed.”