Rochester, New York Police Chief La’Ron Singletary and his command workers are reportedly retiring after per week of protests over the demise of Daniel Prude.
In accordance with the Democrat & Chronicle, the 40-year-old grew to become chief in April 2019. He got here beneath heavy scrutiny over the previous week after information of Prude’s March demise grew to become public. Activists have since known as for his resignation.
Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito, the division’s operations bureau head, in addition to Commander Fabian Rivera, additionally introduced their retirement.
Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor have resigned their command positions and returned to their beforehand held ranks of lieutenant.
No successor has but been named for Singletary, whose retirement will turn into efficient on September 29.
RELATED: Daniel Prude Death: Rochester Mayor Promises Police Reforms Amid Protests
Rochester Mayor Pretty Warren had criticized Singletary for not correctly briefing her about Prude’s demise and stated she had solely turn into conscious of the incident on August 4. Prude’s preliminary encounter with police occurred within the early morning hours of March 23.
“For the previous twenty years, I’ve served this neighborhood with honor, delight, and the best integrity,” Singletary wrote in his retirement letter. “As a person of integrity, I can’t sit idly by whereas exterior entities try to destroy my character.”
He continued: “The occasions over the previous week are an try to destroy my character and integrity. The members of the Rochester Police Division and the Larger Rochester Neighborhood know my repute and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being knowledgeable of Mr. Prude’s demise just isn’t primarily based on info, and isn’t what I stand for.”
The retirement comes as a little bit of a shock as earlier this week Singletary stated he wouldn’t step away from his publish. Warren had additionally expressed her help for him remaining as police chief.
“I don’t imagine there’s one other individual extra devoted to altering the tradition of policing than La’Ron,” she stated.
