Police Chief Announces Retirement Amid Department Turmoil

Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez announced his retirement, effective April 18. PHOTO/City of Pasadena.

Written by AARON CASTREJON | CityWatch Editor

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PASADENA – Police Chief Phillip Sanchez announced publicly Monday his retirement, which will take place April 18.
 
Sanchez made the announcement in a press release and stated he informed Pasadena City Manager Steve Mermell of his intentions.
 
“The decision to step away from serving my community is a difficult one which took much deliberation and careful thought. For the past eight years, I have had the honor of leading one of the nation’s finest law enforcement agencies, comprised of heroic men and women who serve with distinction in keeping our city safe,” Sanchez said.
 
The timing of Sanchez’s retirement might seem suspect.
 
A Police lieutenant, Vasken Kenneth Gourdekian, was recently arrested after a months-long investigation into questionable purchases and sale of more than 100 weapons. A second officer is also being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, accused of being involved in the sales.
 
Two Pasadena Police officers were reassigned after an incident in which an Altadena man was beaten during an incident in Altadena November of 2017. The victim, Christopher Ballew suffered a number of injuries, including a broken leg:

​In the face of recent department turmoil, Sanchez states he is proud of the progress made during his eight-year tenure.
 
“We implemented various new technologies into our policing abilities including the Body Worn Camera program and enhanced community outreach with the Community Police Academy in both English and Spanish,” Sanchez said.
 
“We have increased the diversity of the Police Department to reflect the community it serves, all the while enhancing our responses to terror threats at large events, while working hard to deliver exceptional police service.”