Police Chief Disputes Claims Of Favoritism Toward Scientology

CLEARWATER, FL -- The Church of Scientology's international headquarters in Clearwater is remaining silent about a docu-series critical to the church. But that silence doesn't extend to the Clearwater Police Department.

Over the weekend, Police Chief Daniel Slaughter posted a video on Facebook and Twitter denying allegations in the television series that his department gives the church special treatment.

The A&E docu-series, "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath," is driving a bigger wedge between the church and Clearwater residents who are already concerned about the Church of Scientology's growing influence in the city.

The friction between the church and the community dates back to 1975 when the Church of Scientology first began purchasing large parcels of property in downtown Clearwater to construct its international headquarters and ancillary buildings.

In 2013, the church unveiled its flagship headquarters, a 337,000-square-foot, seven-story building constructed at a reported cost of $145 million. Known the "Flag," the building takes up an entire city block.

That friction between the church and community has reignited in recent weeks with the airing of the docu-series in which former Scientologist Leah Remini claims the police and other city officials grant the church special favors.

In one episode, Remini and two other people are sitting in a downtown Clearwater park owned by the church when a group of Clearwater police officers approach to tell them that the department received a call from the church requesting that they ask Remini to leave the church's property.

Remini holds this up as proof that the police are at the church's beck and call.

"The church is using the Clearwater Police Department," she said.

In his rebuttal video, Slaughter disputes claims that his department grants the church special favors.

“We will not be used as an instrument to promote anyone or any organization's agenda,” Slaughter said.

Yes, his department answers calls from the Church of Scientology as well as any other church in the city. He said his department does not distinguish between any business, organization or resident seeking his department's assistant.

“Our hope is that everyone watching this video will recognize that we don't get to pick and choose whom we protect and serve, nor should we,” Slaughter said.

The church did not respond to a request for comment. However, it posted an online statement accusing Remini of "spreading provable lies which generate hate, bigotry and violence.”

Among the department's critics is longtime Clearwater attorney Denis deVlaming who was interviewed in the docu-series. He claimed the Church of Scientology"buys" the police department's loyalty by hiring off-duty officers to provide security at special events. deVlaming called this a "built-in conflict of interest."

As is common practice for many law enforcement agencies, Slaughter said he permits officers to accept off-duty security work for any church, business or nonprofit hosting an event that requires extra security. He said his officers are no more obligated to the Church of Scientology than they are to Ruth Eckerd Hall when it hosts an outdoor concert in Coachman Park or organizers of the annual Clearwater Super Boat National Championship on Clearwater Beach.

"Clearwater is more than the Church of Scientology," said Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, pointing to the city's ongoing redevelopment efforts, art scene and thriving downtown business district.

Many of the 321 comments under Slaughter's video on Facebook, however, praised Remini's docu-series and agreed that the police department shows favoritism toward the Church of Scientology.

"It was disheartening to see so many officers respond to an assumed call about people sitting on a bench," commented Clearwater resident Monica Vilardi. "Obviously all calls should be answered, but that seemed excessive."

"Six police officers? What a waste of resources," commented Debbie Biggers McCafferty. "Shame on the Clearwater Police Department. Do some research into past incidents with Scientology and you will see why we are upset with you."

But in June 2017, the church contended that the city showed anything but favoritism when it balked at the church's offer to buy a 1.4-acre vacant property from the city for more than its assessed value. The church claimed religious discrimination.

The dispute was ultimately resolved in May 2018 when the City Council agreed to give the church three small downtown properties in exchanged for a vacant parking lot on Cleveland Street.

Image via Church of Scientology

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