SANFORD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
A letter from the Sanford Police Department's Interim Police Chief to the former public information officer, Dave Morgenstern blasts the PIO for his performance after the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
Recently, Richard Myers shifted Morgenstern to road patrol and plans to hire a new public information officer, with a salary that ranges from $50,000 to $77,000.
He's hoping a new face will create a new brand. However, Morgenstern had wanted to stay on as the PIO. This letter from Myers to Morgenstern talks about why the Interim Chief decided to transfer the Sergeant.
One part of the letter from Myers states, "I expressed to you my reticence was due to several reasons, including concerns that you would be heavily pressured to provide key details of the homicide case that brought the world's media to the doorstep here at SPD. Your persistence in asking for my reconsideration leaves me little alternative, but to share with you perhaps my strongest concern, one that I had hoped it wasn't necessary for me to express to you." Myers went on to say, "My initial assessment, which only grew in strength, was that SPD was sorely lacking in the demonstrated skill-set within the PIO function."
Right after Trayvon Martin was killed, Morgenstern told reporters that he wasn't allowed to talk about the evidence in the case. He said, it wasn't his decision. However, he maintained that evidence would prove that it was a case of self defense. But the lack of information left many wondering why George Zimmerman wasn't arrested. A special prosecutor later charged Zimmerman with 2nd degree murder.
In the letter Myers says, "A more skilled PIO could have helped the former Chief craft his message more effectively. Since I have been here, I personally have chosen to handle some media contacts that I normally would have deferred to a PIO, But did not have the confidence to do so. My confidential conversations with other leaders within our city government outside the police department further magnified my concerns."
While Chief Bill Lee was fired back in June, Morgenstern remained part of Sanford's public information team, until recently. Myers also stated, "Your persistence has reminded me that I must balance my role at the individuals advocate with my role to be the organizational advocate. I have fulfilled the organizational role in moving a head with the changes in our PIO function."
This letter was submitted to City Hall, even though Myers wanted it confidential. "You are to treat this memo as Private and Confidential, you have the only printed copy and are directed to keep this for your eyes only," Myers said.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL LETTER (PDF)
This letter comes two days after FOX 35 interviewed Interim Chief Richard Myers. When asked about the open PIO position he said, "We're looking for someone like yourself, a career professional journalist, who we can bring up to speed about police processes and how we're doing things and help us get around our brand as an organization. As well as how to effectively and thoroughly provide information to the community and the media."
Related Sory: Sanford's Interim Police Chief speaks out
While Morgenstern is not allowed to comment, the Fraternal Order of Police has been asked to step in and assist him.
