Burbank police chief opts to retire

I have no idea what is really going on at the Burbank police department, only that things seem pretty messed up. This afternoon, Chief Tim Stehr announced he would retire, saying in a statement that "Our department is facing challenging times. The healing process will be a long one but I have tremendous confidence in the brave men and women of our department and the citizens of this community."

On Saturday, the Burbank Leader newspaper urged Stehr to resign, saying in an editorial:

For months now, we’ve watched the Burbank Police Department continue to unravel. Each week, it seems, brings yet another soap-opera twist.

The Police Commission and Civil Service Board are exerting greater pressure at City Hall, and one City Council member has called for the police chief to be placed on leave. There are three independent investigations — two called in by the city itself — into myriad internal complaints and allegations of misconduct, and an officer has killed himself in public.

Additionally, at least 25 members of the Burbank Police Officers Assn. have called for a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Chief Tim Stehr.

We understand why. Things are not improving.

Last week the family of Sgt. Neil Thomas Gunn blamed his startling public suicide in part on the chief.