SPOKANE — Spokane Police Chief Frank Straub has resigned after less than three years on the job.
Spokane Mayor David Condon asked for Straub’s resignation amid complaints about his leadership style, which reportedly included negative feedback and belittling, The Spokesman-Review reported.
Condon had recruited Straub to the job to reform the department. A reorganization and decision to transfer two women out of the department to other city jobs drew ire throughout the police division.
A news release from city officials cited letters submitted last week from members of police leadership summarizing their concerns about Straub’s management style.
The release also lauded Straub’s success in leading “the effort that has driven down crime and use of force incidents while restoring public confidence in officers.”
Straub said in the news release he is proud of the work that has been done to re-engage police with the community.
“Rather than engage in a public discussion that distracts from making Spokane safer, I have told the mayor that it is time for new energy and perspective,” he said.
Before joining Spokane police, Straub was director of public safety for the city of Indianapolis, and he had worked for the New York City Police Department.
Straub will work for the city on criminal justice initiatives in the city attorney’s office until Jan. 1.
Assistant Police Chief Rick Dobrow will be interim chief.
