Yakima police chief Rizzi’s firing came after “disappointing” review found him “disengaged” from department

YAKIMA – A performance review identified a number of issues the city manager had with Yakima Police Chief Dominic Rizzi Jr. before Rizzi was fired last month, including attendance, relationships inside the department and information about homicide cases.

Rizzi was fired without cause. The city will pay him $106,000, which includes six months’ severance and 60 days of paid administrative leave. He was given 60 days’ notice Sept. 19.

When asked why the city chose to pay Rizzi instead of firing him for cause, Yakima City Attorney Jeff Cutter said the city doesn’t comment publicly on personnel matters. Rizzi also was reprimanded at least twice this summer.

City spokesman Randy Beehler said speaking generally, when the city fires someone with cause, that could force it to go to court to prove the cause was legitimate. As a part of Rizzi’s severance and compensation agreement, he relieves the city of any past and present claims, among other provisions.

Rizzi hasn’t returned several requests for comment.

Rizzi’s 2017 review, which City Manager Cliff Moore finalized in early September, analyzes Rizzi’s performance in eight areas, including quality, productivity, job knowledge and interpersonal relationships.

It was unclear Tuesday if Rizzi provided a written response to the review, although Beehler said it would be unusual.

The review noted some high points. It said Rizzi demonstrated a thorough knowledge of tasks required, though it said he should have a better understanding of Washington law after five years on the job.

It also said Rizzi did a good job of developing relationships with groups outside the police department, which improved how it was viewed in the community. The city didn’t see the “significant community protests of police behavior” that took place in other places in part because of Rizzi’s outreach efforts, the review said.

However, Rizzi didn’t share his vision for the department with line officers and, in certain situations, was “belittling” and “dismissive,” according to the review.

In March, Rizzi said his job was largely to steady a department that had experienced multiple scandals and a weak command structure before he arrived. More specifically, the department was operating like a force in a city with only 20 or 30 officers, instead of a midsize city with some 130 staff members and officers, he said. He also worked to improve retention and recruitment.

Yakima Police Chief Dominic Rizzi Jr.’s performance review

The performance review listed several areas Rizzi needed to improve:

-The review said there were noticeable declines in Rizzi’s performance and productivity in 2017. In one-on-one briefings with the city manager, Rizzi frequently had to ask captains or lieutenants for more information on specific cases, which the review noted was surprising.

The review blamed the declines, in part, on Rizzi’s frequent applications for other positions and absences.

-Because of Rizzi’s pursuit of other jobs, his attendance suffered. Because of his absences, confidence in the department’s leadership was hurt, the document said.

-Moore also expressed frustration he had to repeatedly ask for a report about the status of homicide cases, and Rizzi could rarely provide details about items in the report.

-The review specifically cited a case where Rizzi failed to honor a commitment to respect a decision made by Moore regarding family and medical leave. Instead of following the interpretations provided by Moore and the city legal and human resources departments, Rizzi went to the executive director of the Criminal Justice Training Commission and “asked her to provide an opinion supporting his perspective.”

-Finally, the report listed a need for Rizzi to improve relationships within the police department. The review included statements made by police captains about Rizzi, saying he wasn’t engaged with the department.

“Chief Rizzi his made it clear that he does not wish to continue working for the city of Yakima,” the review reads. “His frequent applications for other positions, some after he has publicly stated that he would not be applying for any other jobs, have created a very negative and detrimental atmosphere in YPD.”

The review ended by saying Moore believed Rizzi could make the changes required to improve his performance, and his employment at the police department depended on it.

Capt. Gary Jones is leading the police department until a new chief is named.