LANGLEY — Police Chief David Marks is being fired, Mayor Tim Callison announced at Monday’s City Council meeting.
“It is a very difficult decision to make,” he told the council. “As a civil service employee, (Marks) is entitled to a civil service hearing and appeal. He’s indicated he will appeal.”
In an interview, Callison added: “As of this morning, Chief Marks was put on administrative leave with pay, relieved of duty and told to go home” — until the decision becomes final.
The mayor said he based his decision on many factors, not just the November 2017 incident when Marks was accused of using unnecessary force while arresting a man with mental illness. That incident led to several investigations after two officers who also responded had concerns about Marks’ use of force.
Many residents came forward in recent months with stories accusing Marks of unprofessional conduct.
But some business owners and others stood up for Marks, saying they appreciated his professionalism.
“It caused me to look at all performance of duties,” Callison said. “It came to lead me to the conclusion that it should lead toward termination.
“Chief Marks was put on paid leave to preserve due process,” he said in an interview.
Marks has led the four-person department for four years.
Earlier Monday, the City Council met in a morning workshop to begin reviewing current police policies.
This story originally appeared in the South Whidbey Record, a sibling paper of The Daily Herald.
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