Myserie City Hall, Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of Mayor Morris Jenkins
During the past several months our police force and our city have faced some very trying times, the details of which have been covered, in detail, by the press and this office. At the heart of these problems, the reputation of Police Chief Richard H. Thorne has been brought into question several times.
As we have stated before, Chief Thorne inherited a great many problems when he took his current position from his predecessor’s office and has done his level best to fulfill his role in law enforcement and city government in spite of those problems. In his short tenure violent crime declined by 7% and nonviolent crime by 11%.
However, there has been a massive outcry by the public in regards to the several high profile crimes of recent months. By his choice, Chief Thorne has decided to resign from the office of Chief of Police and pursue other career paths.
Let me be clear, he has not been terminated, nor has his resignation been asked for. He has reached this decision on his own. He is leaving the force with full honors and all that comes with his station of service.
A press conference with Chief Thorne and a representative of Mayor Jenkins office will be announced for a future date yet to be determined. Press Secretary Harold Coggins