FOREST PARK, Ga. — A metro Atlanta police chief arrived at work Tuesday only to find himself locked out of his office and out of a job, just weeks after being reinstated following a dispute over his termination.
Last week, council members failed to secure the four votes required to override the mayor’s veto, allowing Forest Park Police Chief Brandon Criss to return to work June 1. He reported back to duty Monday.
Criss was originally fired in May after being accused of improperly taking paid time off. During a hearing before city leaders, he argued he had done nothing wrong.
An independent investigative report later concluded that Criss did not receive any additional compensation related to the disputed leave.
On Tuesday, however, Criss was informed that his position had not been reinstated and was locked out of his office, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Forest Park resident and independent radio host Donald “Dee Cee” Craddock said many residents were surprised by the development.
“Chief Criss is not one of them. He’s one of the good guys,” Craddock said.
Craddock also questioned whether city officials had the authority to remove Criss after the council failed to override the mayor’s veto.
Last week, during a council meeting, officials announced that a motion to overturn the mayor’s veto had failed after not receiving the required number of votes.
An internal email obtained by Channel 2 Action News and sent Monday by Interim Police Chief Andreas Smith instructed department employees that he had been directed by Interim City Manager Latosha Clemons to continue overseeing the department’s day-to-day operations.
Clemons did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
In a statement, the City of Forest Park said the issue is one for elected officials to resolve.
“This is a matter for the elected members of city council to decide, not the city staff or the city manager,” the statement said. “The majority of the city council has decided and presently believes that Brandon Criss should not be reinstated as the chief of police.”
Residents say the ongoing dispute reflects broader concerns about leadership within the city.
“People are tired of petty politics,” Craddock said.
Criss declined an interview Tuesday. He provided Channel 2 with a lawsuit his attorney filed after his termination Tuesday.
The suit is against interim City Manager Clemons and the City of Forrest Park.
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