Outgoing interim chief laid out changes made since October
The city of Kissimmee’s choice to name Charles “Chuck” Broadway, the longtime city of Clermont police chief, as it’s new “top cop” comes just over four months after turmoil struck the Kissimmee Police Department.
Named among 11 staffers listed in a Grand Jury report regarding a use of force case, and a cascade of missteps in its aftermath, former Chief Betty Holland resigned on Oct. 24, 2024, and hasn’t been heard from since.
As the city sought out the chief to take them into a new era and perspective, Kissimmee brought in Major Robert Anzueto from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, mostly to serve as a fresh, objective pair of eyes looking over KPD’s operations. He oversaw departments, made changes and recommendations and worked to position the department to move forward for a new chief.
Anzueto detailed those changes in a letter he penned to the media and public before returning to Orange County at the end of February.
“I have seen the hard work and dedication of our sworn and civilian personnel. There is no doubt our personnel are committed to keeping Kissimmee a safe place for all,” he said in the letter. “I feel morale of our employees is high and they appreciate our staff’s transparency and changes made from an operational and administrative standpoint.”
Among the points Anzueto hit on in his open letter: Only one member of the command staff, former Deputy Chief Camille Alicea was among the 11 on the grand jury finding. She had already retired in September ahead of being terminated, after she was caught up in an investigation and was facing termination as the city alleged she used a homophobic remark about a lesbian female officer seeking a promotion.
“This team has the capability, experience and integrity to perform their roles with appropriate oversight and guidance from the Chief of Police,” he wrote.
Seventeen “high liability policies” were highlighted, and Anzueto mandated all KPD members reviewed them for understanding and compliance. One of the policies, the “Response to Resistance” general order, which specifically addresses an employee’s duty upon witnessing use of excessive force, was a topic of emphasis, he noted.
In January and February, every member of the agency was enrolled in Crisis Management training, and during annual legal training that started in September, KPD members received added instruction on excessive use of force, unlawful searches including warrantless entry into homes and the duty to intervene.
“I reviewed the presentation and all related educational material. Our officers will be better trained once this training is completed,” Anzueto wrote.
A General Order regarding Internal Affairs was amended to protect “the integrity of active internal investigations, and any conduct that interferes with or compromises any internal investigation shall result in a violation of this policy and may lead to formal discipline.” Also, a new Civilian Internal Affairs Manager was hired and began work on Jan. 6, and two sergeants were assigned as investigators to the Internal Affairs department.
“Prior to my arrival, the Internal Affairs Section was staffed by one Corporal,” Anzueto wrote.
That IA Manager will affirm all cases that need to be forwarded on to the state’s Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission—a major downfall of KPD that the grand jury presentment identified.
And, to further Anzueto’s level of oversight, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Section will continue to investigate any wrongdoing by the 11 current or former KPD members identified in the October grand jury and State Attorney’s Office findings, with possible disciplinary action forthcoming.
