Report: Leaders erred with police

A city-funded investigation into the Newport Beach Police Department’s promotional process found that its integrity was “marginalized” by missteps from city leaders. But nothing in the probe’s report shows there was a deliberate manipulation of the system.

In a five-month investigation, Jim Blaylock, a former Irvine police commander hired by the city, concluded that while former Police Chief Bob McDonell made decisions that gave him more control over promotions, “the preponderance of evidence does not establish that any actions were designed to promote any one individual.”

Blaylock’s investigation came at the urging of the Police Management Assn., which pointed out inconsistencies in how former Chief John Klein rose to that rank. Specifically, and the report acknowledges, Klein’s recruitment for chief did not include a candidate from outside the city, as is required by city law.

Such instances led to a perception by police officers that promotions were corrupt and pre-determined, Blaylock said. However, the evidence doesn’t support it, he concluded.

Newport Beach lost a lawsuit earlier this year to now-Lt. Neil Harvey, who successfully proved he was passed over for promotions to lieutenant because of false rumors that he was gay, and out of retaliation for helping a fellow officer file a complaint against a superior. Harvey has since been promoted to lieutenant as part of a settlement with the city.

Retired Lt. Steve Shulman filed a claim earlier this year for no less than $100,000 that the testing for a captain’s position in 2008 was unfair.

Blaylock concluded his report by offering suggestions like creating a career development plan for officers looking to rise in the department, so they know what to do to be eligible for a promotion.