Takoma Park Police Chief Resigns Due To 'Personal Reasons'

TAKOMA PARK, MD — Takoma Park Police Chief Alan Goldberg officially resigned due to personal reasons Friday, the city announced.

Goldberg began working for the City of Takoma Park in October 2012 after he retired from a long career with the Montgomery County Police Department. Goldberg has served a total of 39 years in law enforcement.

Takoma Park City Manager Suzanne Ludlow noted that Chief Goldberg helped make many improvements to the city during his tenure, particularly concerning crime analysis and sharing information with the public. There was a 19 percent reduction from 2015, and a 25 percent reduction from 2014.

According to the Annual Report of the Police Department for 2016, this past year showed the lowest level of crime in most categories in many years.

The report also discussed complaint investigations against Takoma Park Police officers. Takoma Park Police uses an internal affairs case management system to track a variety of items, including use of force, departmental collisions, pursuits, firearms discharges and more.

In 2016, 18 formal complaints against officers were recorded, and nine subjected to internal affairs investigations. Five complaints were generated internally by an employee, the Command Staff or Chief Goldberg, and two complaints were submitted by other law enforcement agencies.

Seven of the 18 complaints were completed with a determination that resulted in sustained findings of improper conduct, and disciplinary measures were warranted and taken. Three complaints are still pending investigation, and nine complaints were referred to a supervisor for investigation/counseling sessions in lieu of an internal investigation.

There were 13 formal complaints in 2014, and 17 in 2013.

A notable highlight of Chief Goldberg's time in Takoma Park was when he issued a public statement after the recent Presidential election:

"I know that there are specific concerns from some that fear that local police agencies will become an enforcement arm for the deportation of immigrants. Several years ago, the court in Maryland ruled that local law enforcement did not have the authority to arrest individuals for “civil ICE warrants.” We have no interest or authority in the deportation of immigrants. The mission and commitment of the Takoma Park Police Department is the safety and welfare of all our residents and visitors. We value and will continue to maintain our relationships with all members of our community."

Takoma Park remains a Sanctuary City.

Ludlow will run a national search for a new chief for the City of Takoma Park. In the meantime, the three Police Department captains — Captain Dan Frishkorn, Captain Tyrone Collington and Captain Richard Bowers — will rotate Acting Chief responsibilities, starting with Captain Frishkorn.

"The Department remains committed to excellence and will continue to protect the public safety of all residents, regardless of background," a statement issued by the city says.

Takoma Park has a council/manager form of government, so the council establishes policies and hires a city manager and staff. After consulting with Council, staff and community members on the desired characteristics of a new Police Chief, the city will post a job announcement for the position.

For questions or more information, contact Jeremy Dickey, Media Specialist at 301-891-7236 or jeremyd@takomaparkmd.gov.

Photo: Takoma Park Police Department