Mark Gibson named interim Cleveland, TN police chief

Read more

* TBI investigating Cleveland police officer Jeff Griggs case* Cleveland Police Officer Jeff Griggs arrested for the second time in four days* Cleveland police chief demoted to former post without investigation* Police chief was kissing cop's wife in car, divorce complaint states* Altercation with officer prompts removal of Cleveland, TN police chief after only one day on the job* Cop arrested after he took photos of wife with police chief* New police chief named in Cleveland

Cleveland City Manager Janice Casteel said she has named Capt. Mark Gibson as interim chief, his second tour in the job in recent months.

Casteel on Monday said she was taking over the department after relieving and demoting acting Chief Dennis Maddux. She said then that Gibson would be her day-to-day liaison at the department.

However, questions were raised whether Casteel could act as department leader since she is not a certified police officer.

"A certified officer must be the department head by rule and by statutory definition," said Kevin Walters, spokesman for the state Department of Commerce and Insurance, which oversees the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Casteel released this statement this morning:

"I have decided to appoint Captain Mark Gibson Interim Chief of the Cleveland Police Department to assure continuity and accountability of the department until I make a decision on who will serve as the permanent chief. During this timeframe I am determined to make some hard decisions regarding the policies of the Cleveland Police Department to be recommended to the City Council to insure that the leadership of the Cleveland Police Department is above reproach."

"The Chief of Police is hired by the City Manager and due to this unfortunate, recent event, it was my opinion that Dennis Maddux was not the person to lead the police department. Therefore, it was my decision to transfer him back to the Support Services Captain's position he initially held. As City Manager, I am responsible for insuring that the leadership of the Cleveland Police Department is above reproach. It is my intent to do just that."

Upcoming Events