MESA, Ariz. — The Mesa chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police announced Monday it formally endorses a vote of “no confidence” against Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista.
The city’s two police unions are taking a secret ballot vote that will be released later this month. They’ve indicated there is growing frustration with Batista’s leadership.
“Members complained of Chief Batista’s inflammatory, prejudicial, and judgmental statements to the media,” said a spokesperson of the FOP Mesa Lodge 9 in a written statement.
Chief Batista took the job in 2017. Since then, two incidents involving use of force have prompted protests and calls for greater accountability at the department.
After the videos were published, Batista said he vowed to “fix” what he believed represented a problem in the department.
“I’m angry and I’m deeply disappointed by what I saw in those videos,” Batista said.
On Monday, Batista declined to answer questions about the criticism from some rank-and-file officers about his handling of the incidents.
Batista issued a statement that reads in part:
"We are aware that a labor organization — working with a marketing firm — has initiated a poll of our officers. It is important to remember that their agenda does not represent the entire Mesa Police Department. I'm committed to leading this department and I stand by my officers as they carry out their duties."
City leaders are remaining neutral on the controversy.
"The Mayor and Mesa City Council fully support the brave women and men of the Mesa Police Department, including Chief Batista and his leadership team," said a city spokesperson in a statement Monday.