CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Assistant Police Chief David Bailey was given an ultimatum: Take a buy-out and leave, or be fired.
This is according to Fraternal Order of Police President Dan Hils.
On Thursday, it was announced Bailey chose the "buy-out" option.
The departure of the officer who had been with the department for 30 years is the latest continuation of a turmoil-filled week for the CPD.
On Wednesday, City Manager Harry Black released an email where he said there was a "corrupt, rogue element" in the CPD. Black was upset because a partially-completed police audit was leaked to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Also, CPD District 5 Commander Bridget Bardua has filed a federal "equal employment" complaint claiming three top CPD officials, including Bailey, discriminated against her because she is a woman.
On Thursday, Bailey posted comments on the FOP's "Support the Blue" Facebook page which said City Manager Black's comments are "reckless, unfortunate, and grossly inaccurate." Bailey went on to say that those comments by the city manager and "district commanders" (of which he did not specify exactly who) were not only "self-serving" but were "irresponsible" and "harmful to the department."
Bailey also said that he was confident additional information will come to light that will invalidate the comments from the city manager and others.
Sources believe that Bailey was not forced out because he was suspected of leaking the documents to the Enquirer and that there is no suggestion that Bailey is the leaker. The same sources believe that since Bailey is the lead of the division that did the audit, he is either being held responsible or he is being made a "scapegoat" depending on your perspective.
Mayor Cranley issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:
Having enjoyed working with both Chief Isaac and Lt Col Bailey for many years, and having great respect for both, and believing both have devoted their lives to the betterment of this city, I wish the two of them could work this out. Crime is down right now and I believe both deserve credit. This is sad."
