Hayward officials have confirmed that Police Chief Diane Stuart has been placed on administrative leave due to a personnel issue, but would not disclose any further details about the investigation.
“I have great respect for her and her work here in Hayward,” Mayor Barbara Halliday added Tuesday. As for the suspension of duties? Her lips are sealed.
Diane Stuart has served as police chief for the past five years. She is married to Clark Stuart of Trident Professionals. Before the two wed, the city employed his services and that of his company for training in customer service and other matters.
The mystery surrounding the recent announcement may seem a little unsettling, but Hayward City Councilwoman Sara Lamnin tried to put some of that to rest Tuesday.
"The [police] department is in good shape, the community is safe, the process will go forward and there's nothing really else to do," Lamnin said.
In the meantime, Capt. Mark Koller has been appointed acting chief.
Read more about the announcement here.
Image Credit: Flickr User conner395, https://flic.kr/p/9r2MQt via (CC BY 2.0)