City of Imperial may be firing chief of police, residents concerned

City of Imperial resident Patricia Thompson wants an answer. How can a city that’s been called the safest city in California by national organizations be firing its police chief?

“I’m concerned that we have the safest city in California and we have a new city manager who comes to us with a cloud over his head, and yet we are in a position to fire a tenured, long-term police chief with what appears to be no cause of action, and that, as a member of this community, concerns me,” Thompson said.

Chief Miguel Colon has been put on administrative leave by the city manager, according to Colon’s attorney Bradley Gage. Thompson questions the manager’s decision and his background.

“It concerns me. What truly is the issue that would cause a successful chief of police to be fired,” Thompson said.

“I contacted the city he came from and they implied there were some issues,” Thompson said.

Another resident said things were bad in Imperial before chief Colon came onboard.

Imperial resident Maria Magdalena said, “I’m afraid that if the chief is not there, this place will turn into a chaos like it was before.”

Thompson agrees with that view.

“Are we going back to the days when – because Imperial’s been the laughing stock over the years. Our police department hasn’t necessarily been the most respected,” Thompson said.

Gage said they have filed a complaint of discrimination towards a lawsuit
“He claims he was discriminated against based on age and national origin,” Gage said.

There are only two possible outcomes in this case, according to Gage.

“The chief can get reinstated to his position and the other is that the chief will be entitled to damages for being wrongfully terminated,” Gage said.

In the meantime, the safest city in California has no police chief making sure the streets are safe at night.