Michigan Horsemen P.L.U

by Dana DeFever | The Flint Journal

Sunday June 01, 2008, 8:45 PM

Gary Hagler

FLINT, Michigan -- For four years Gary Hagler sat at the helm of the Flint Police Department, drawing almost constant criticism for never really leading it as its official chief.

A new leader for the Flint's Police Department -- likely an interim replacement -- is to be announced Monday, sparking another round of questions over what the role of the city's next top cop.

Mayor Don Williamson said on Sunday that he had not yet chosen who the department's next leader will be and plans to start talking to candidates Monday morning.

"I have several in mind and I will narrow that down to one," said Williamson, who noted he is looking for a candidate with honesty and leadership to lead the department.

He said the city might conduct a search after naming the interim, but that it is possible the acting chief could get the job permanently.

"With the mayor we have, it doesn't matter who replaces him. The new chief will serve to the mayor's pleasures," said Karl Petrich, president of the Afro-American Police League. "There are some things this chief had his hands in and there were others he didn't have a choice."

Almost four years in the position, Hagler resigned after accepting what he called his dream job as the chief of the law enforcement division of the state Department of Natural Resources. He starts the job today.

Hagler, 45, said he is "proud to serve" the city and will continue to be vested in the city, because he still is a resident. As for how he will be remembered, Hagler doesn't know.

Hagler was often criticized for what some perceived as a lack of independence from Mayor Don Williamson.

Hagler often appeared in Williamson's shadow at news conferences called by the mayor's office on topics such as crime rates, opening the city jail and restructuring the department. Other times, he wasn't even there as major police announcements were made -- including both the creation and elimination of the Citizen's Service Bureau.

Many questioned Williamson's involvement in the department especially after the mayor ordered police to arrest a newspaper carrier in City Hall, which led to a lawsuit in which the city paid $150,000.

In September 2006, police officers overwhelmingly voted they had "no confidence" in Hagler as their leader and six months later Hagler was criticized in a report by Ombudsman Brenda Purifoy because of alleged favoritism in the department.

"It was a constant conflict ... but I think he was the best or one of the best chiefs we've had," said Sandy Hill, a city councilwoman who is considered a Williamson ally. "I hate to see him go. With his skill and ability, nobody could blame him for going onto something better."

Hagler has been outspoken recently though -- issuing a statement earlier this week criticizing both the Flint City Council and mayor for proposed budget cuts to the police department which would force dozens of lay offs.

On Friday, he also publicly criticized the layoffs, lack of overtime and possible closure of the city jail, calling the budget "grossly inadequate."

Police Officers Association President Keith Speer said his biggest concern is stopping the layoff notices. Something, that isn't going to be impacted by Hagler's retirement.
"Whether he stayed or left, I don't think it would have any impact," Speer said.

Hagler was appointed acting police chief in July 2004 after former Police Chief Bradford Barksdale retired.

Serving as the city's acting chief, allowed Hagler to run the department but continue building his retirement in the same system he started in as an officer.

"It'll be very difficult to find another police chief like the one that just retired," Williamson said. "The main thing is he worked for the citizens of the great city of Flint."

Now that Hagler's gone, city Councilman Scott Kincaid said he hopes a permanent police chief will be named -- which would also require City Council approval -- after a professional search, evaluating panel and accepting applications from within the department.

"I'd like to see an opportunity for people to apply within the department (and) get the most qualified candidate we can," Kincaid said. "But I suspect the mayor would handpick somebody that is close to him."

Hill said she would like to see Williamson appoint a permanent chief today.
"It seems to be an issue that a lot of residents are concerned with," she said.

Hagler worked his way up through the department with stints in several specialized units including the Flint Area Narcotics Group and the city's Crime Area Target Team.
He helped bring down members of the Spanish Cobras gang in the 1990s.

Prior to becoming a Flint police officer, Hagler was an officer with the Genesee Township, Argentine Township and Linden police departments.

In March 2003, Hagler turned down an offer to become the Owosso police chief in favor of being the city's new deputy police chief.

Williamson tapped Hagler as soon as he gained control of the city from the state-appointed emergency financial manager. But, he never officially was appointed chief and criticisms soon mounted.

Petrich said he's never seen a time in which the number of black police officers have been so low. It's going to be a long time before the city can recover from it, he said.

"As far as I'm concerned the damage has been done," Petrich said. "I thank the DNR for hiring him."

 Comments:from local tax payers

 Chief Hagler did a very good job even though the Flint City Council put many hurdles in his way. His leaving takes away one of Michigan's top experts on gangs and violent groups. He was a no nonsense administrator who made few mistakes. In short order his experience inside the department as well as his good reputation outside of it will become very apparent.

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 Just curious what hurdles were put in his way.   I actually like the guy.   He was always responsive to my concerns.   But he should have been presented for the appointment, as the Charter dictates.   That has always been my issue with the situation.