The Mesa Police Association and the Mesa Fraternal Order of Police cast a vote of no confidence against Chief Ramon Batista. Officers lost confidence in Batista due to his decision to abandon his officers when they have come under attack by the public and anti-law enforcement groups.
Nate Gafvert, president of Mesa Police Association, and board members of the Association and Fraternal Order of Police announced the results of the two-week vote on Wednesday.
The Mesa Police Association and the Mesa Fraternal Order of Police released the results of a survey in which 564 employees participated. Over 95 percent said they had no confidence in Batista.
According to the unions, “Eighty four percent of the respondents consider morale “poor.” And even more concerning, 93% of respondents say morale has gotten worse over the past year. In areas ranging from professionalism to basic leadership, the chief’s performance shows major shortcomings. Department sergeants, lieutenants, commanders and assistant chiefs were ranked considerably better.”