Opinion: Restoring trust

Tampa police Chief Bennie Holder sent the right message last week by forcing the resignation of Deputy Chief Ken Taylor. Two resumes in Taylor's personnel file listed a bachelor's degree he didn't have, and Holder said Taylor misled him by personally assuring the chief he had earned a four-year degree. The issue is not merely one of educational qualifications but of candor and credibility. If the chief cannot trust his subordinates, how can officers in the department function?

Holder's move was commendable for two reasons. The chief overcame his discomfort with acting in the public spotlight, and the man he ousted is an old friend and confidant of Mayor Dick Greco. A lesser chief would have feared for his job, swallowed his pride and compromised the professionalism of his department. Instead, Holder made clear the department has only one chief. He also showed tact, expressing disappointment at having been betrayed without impugning Taylor's 35-year career.

Taylor departed the day he acknowledged in a Times' story he lacked the credentials for his job. But he still offers a tortured defense and blames the whole affair on bosses and subordinates. Taylor's handling of a simple and embarrassing episode stands in sharp contrast to the resolve shown by the chief. Holder was right to insist that Internal Affairs complete its investigation. A fuller picture will prove the veracity of each man's story. But Holder deserves credit for holding his deputy to the same standard of truthfulness as other employees, and for moving quickly when bad press tarnished the department. The public should be assured by the chief's leadership.

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