WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Chairman for the Black Republican Caucus is using statistics from unsolved homicides in West Palm Beach to call for new leadership in the police department.
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The Board Chairman of the Black Republican Caucus of Florida held a news conference Monday afternoon to call for Chief Mooney to step down effective immediately.
"Make sure the residents in this city remain safe and have a sense of safety and comfort when they walk out of their homes every day," said Sean Jackson, Chairman of the caucus.
Jackson referenced the number of homicides this year and the clearance rate of those cases.
"Due to the nature of the current state of emergency in our Northwest neighborhood, it's apparent that Chief Mooney is unfamiliar with community crisis management, and refuses to acknowledge publicly that there's a problem," said Jackson.
Jackson said Chief Mooney has failed to create a positive relationship between police and the communities they serve.
According to West Palm Beach police, there have been 51 unsolved homicides since 2016, include a deadly double shooting over the weekend.
"We support the Chief," said Rick King, counsel for the Police Benevolent Association. "We think she's done an excellent job, and we think the community is behind her as well. I think her presence in the community speaks volumes to what she's doing and who she is."
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Since taking office in Feb. 2017, Chief Mooney has helped create West Palm Beach's Real Time Crime Center, which allows officers respond to emergencies more quickly.
"We put the resources there because that's where our hot spots are," Chief Mooney told WPTV on Monday. "That's where we have the most work to do."
Chief Mooney has also participated in several 'Peace Walks' throughout the city, engaging with residents in crime-prone areas.
"I take it personal because I've been in this agency for 24 years and I've seen progress," said Chief Mooney.
Chairman of the Black Republican Caucus Sean Jackson is calling for the resignation of West Palm Beach Police Chief Sarah Mooney. Jackson says his plea comes after 2 shootings in the north end of the city this weekend..one a double homicide. So far 8 homicides in 2019, 1 solved pic.twitter.com/qBPR2XEWxV
— Michelle Quesada (@M_Quesada) April 29, 2019