Officials in Redding, California are expected to announce the termination of Police Chief Robert Paoletti today, the Record Searchlight reports. Word of Paoletti’s firing comes from both Councilwoman Julie Winter, who said she received an email about his impending departure Monday, and Redding Merchants Crime Watch head Ed Rullman, who told the paper he had heard from the chief directly.
Paoletti has served as the city’s top cop since 2011. He helped Redding weather a number of public safety storms, including impacts from the state’s prison realignment program. In May, there was talk that he might be accepting another job in the Bay Area.
Prior to the firing, Paoletti said his fate mostly depended on the actions of the next city manager.
“With the change in city manager, there comes unknowns for me as a police chief. I don’t know who the new city manager is going to be or what direction they choose to go.”
“In the end, I’m 47, I’m at-will and I have a family to take care of. So, I opened some doors and I’ll meet with the new city manager and I’ll see what the future holds,” he said. “I love this community and I love this department and my intent is to stay here. Ultimately, that is the new city manager’s decision and hopefully he’ll decide that that’s the case.”
Redding officials announced Tuesday that Redding Police Chief Robert Paoletti's will no longer be chief. Although city officials did not specifically say Paoletti has been fired, a news release said he "agreed to separate" from the city, effective today.
The city hired Barry Tippin as its new city manager two weeks ago.
UPDATE: The Record Searchlight added the following to its article last week:
"Redding officials announced Tuesday that Redding Police Chief Robert Paoletti's will no longer be chief. Although city officials did not specifically say Paoletti has been fired, a news release said he 'agreed to separate' from the city, effective today."