West Palm Beach police chief Tony Araujo publicly explained the decision to fire five police commanders, saying it was about restoring public trust, ensuring accountability, and changing the department’s culture. The terminations follow a nearly two-year internal affairs investigation conducted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office into allegations that top command staff improperly overlapped regular work hours with extra-duty assignments.

Investigation Findings

Araujo said the investigation had damaged public confidence in the department. The investigation found that several command staff members found a way around the new software installed in 2022 designed to prevent overlapping work hours. They entered leave, signed up for extra-duty assignments, then removed the leave after those assignments were approved, creating overlapping work hours.

Those fired were former Assistant Chief Tameka West, former Major Michael Deighan, and Captains Joseph Ahern, Dennis Wrobbel, and Theodore Swiderski. Captain Troy Marchese retired before the investigation concluded.

Response and Next Steps

The union representing the terminated commanders disputes the findings, saying the commanders were following longstanding flex-time practices approved by former leadership. The union plans to challenge the terminations through the grievance and arbitration process.

Araujo said the department has already implemented changes but stressed that accountability must apply equally to everyone. Araujo emphasized that public trust is not something the department inherits, but something it earns every day through its actions.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.