FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The police chief for the city of Fort Lauderdale has been removed from his position.
The announcement was made on Thursday.
Rick Maglione is being reassigned to a yet to be determined position.
Assistant Chief Karen Dietrich will run the department in the interim, said City Manager Chris Lagerbloom.
“To the men and women of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, I want you to know the city stands with you. We are committed to due process and the officers’ bill of rights,” Lagerbloom said in a video posted to YouTube.
WPLG in Miami reported the department has faced criticism for its handling of May 31 unrest in the city. A Fort Lauderdale police officer was charged with battery for shoving a protester who was kneeling.
In a separate case, police-worn body camera video showed two officers swearing, chuckling and appearing to joke about shooting protesters with rubber bullets.
Dietrich will be the first woman to lead the department.
“As I begin this assignment, I will be evaluating our strengths and looking for opportunities to improve our processes. I will be meeting with various stakeholders, including the police unions and members of the public. My door is always open. I look forward to getting started," she said in a video statement posted on YouTube.
- Florida reports 120 more people died from COVID-19, adds 8,935 cases
- Construction could force Sarasota kissing statue into storage
- Protesters refused to let an ambulance pass, St. Pete police say
- 'We're the epicenter' | Epidemiologists say action to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida needs to be taken now
- Publix confirms workers at 19 more grocery stores have tested positive for COVID-19 since mid-March
- Florida among 'red zone' states White House task force asks to wear masks, reduce social gatherings
- Walt Disney World reopening: What to know before you go
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
