Gainesville Police Chief Resigns to Avoid Firing

Gainesville FloridaPhoto byPublic Use

Police Chief Lonnie Scott has tendered his resignation after discussion with City Manager Cynthia Curry. The move comes as Scott's position was being terminated, according to Curry, who had notified the Chief that the Gainesville police department was being "taken in a different direction."

The city manager released a statement explaining challenges during the past year including issues around internal and external communication, employee morale, and staffing shortages.

Chief Scott was with the police department for over 40 years, working his way up through the ranks. His letter of resignation expressed his confusion as to the reason for the pending termination.

Chief Scott will work to transition duties to Assistant Chief Nelson Moya. A national search will be conducted for a permanent replacement.

Gainesville has experienced a recent spike in violent crime and shootings.