This is a critical time for the Sacramento Police Department. Years of goodwill eroded with the shooting deaths of two black men by officers.
Deputy Chief Brian Louie was sworn in as interim chief last week. He says the department will focus on transparency and community engagement.
"Early in my career, I had the opportunity to be involved in some of our youth programs and I think that we really need to get back to that as part of our effort in terms of improving the quality of life in Sacramento,” Louie says.
Louie says the department is negotiating a contract for a body camera system. He says he hopes to implement that soon. He also hopes to improve department morale by meeting with as many employees as possible.
"One of the criticisms of the past is that they don't see the chief enough,” Louie says. “Well, I'm fixing that and pretty much working seven days a week and engage and just talk to our staff and re-enforce to them that they are valued not only by the community but also by the leadership of police department."
Louie started as intern with the department 36 years ago. He says he will also push for more officers to do as he does and live in the city.
He is one of three city deputy chiefs vying for the top position in the department. The city manager's office is expected to hire a firm soon to handle the nationwide search for a new chief.
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