Cleared Forest Park police chief blocked from returning to work by city manager

Cleared chief locked out of city hall by manager

Forest Park Police Chief Brendan Chris was cleared of wrongdoing by an independent investigation, yet the city manager refuses to reinstate him. A local councilwoman says the disputed time off occurred on days city hall was closed for bad weather and holidays.  

FOREST PARK, Ga. - A metro Atlanta police chief cleared of wrongdoing in an independent investigation is still waiting to return to his office after the city manager blocked his reinstatement this week. 

Forest Park police investigation

What we know:

Forest Park Police Chief Brandon Criss was originally fired in May after facing accusations that he improperly took paid time off. However, a recent independent investigation cleared Criss of any wrongdoing. Councilwoman Latresa Wells said the dates questioned in the probe were actually times when the city was closed for holidays, the day before Christmas, and inclement weather. Following the investigation's findings, the Forest Park mayor vetoed the termination. 

Criss attempted to return to work this week, but the city manager refused to let him back into the building. Wells stated that city officials claimed the mayor's veto was illegal, a stance she fiercely criticized. According to Wells, Criss says the city manager is failing to follow the city's charter. Criss noted that Forest Park operates under a strong-council, weak-mayor form of government where the city manager reports directly to the council. Councilman Hector Gutierrez also expressed deep disappointment, stating he is embarrassed that the community and employees have to endure this situation. 

City Hall employment dispute

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet confirmed the specific legal basis used by the city manager to declare the mayor's veto illegal. It remains unclear when or if Criss will be allowed back on the job, or if a judge will have to intervene to resolve the charter dispute. The city has not responded to requests for comment regarding the employment status of the police chief.