Embattled Dade Schools Police Chief Demoted
MIAMI-DADE (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Public Schools is hanging out the 'Help Wanted' sign for a new chief of police.
On Thursday they announced that former chief Charles Hurley, who was suspended last May amid allegations of repeated sexual harassment, has been demoted, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.
Hurley is now director of the district's Region 3 office and is doing community outreach, according to school district spokesman John Schuster.
School police Major Gerald Kitchell has been acting chief for the last eight months. Schuster said he's done terrific job, but as they look to he future a new chief is needed.
"What we are looking to do at this point is reestablish long-term leadership for the police department," Schuster told the paper. "The goal was to bring permanency and boost morale within the police force."
The sexual harassment allegations were brought by two women under Hurley's command when he was chief.
Schools Police Commander Deanna Fox-Williams and Officer Yewande Gibson, filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade County Schools, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Miami-Dade Schools Police and Chief Charles Hurley alleging numerous instances of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Both women allege that Hurley repeatedly made sexual advances toward them on separate occasions and created an extremely hostile working environment.
Schuster did not comment on why Hurley was demoted, or whether the decision was due to any findings of improper behavior. He said Hurley's downward move will include a pay cut from his $114,000 salary as chief.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report.
