Vancouver, Wash. police chief resigns

Published 2:16 pm Friday, July 13, 2012

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Police Chief Clifford Cook has announced his plan to resign, saying the department needs “fresh leadership.”

The Columbian reported that much of chief Clifford Cook’s time leading the department has been marked by strife.

Along with budget cuts and layoffs, he’s dealt with the fallout of a high-profile judgment against the department after an officer sued, a no-confidence vote by the Vancouver Police Guild and a scandal involving an officer having a sexual relationship with a paid confidential informant.

In addition, City Manager Eric Holmes overturned Cook’s decision to fire an officer.

Holmes praised Cook’s five-year tenure, citing his ability to secure $10 million in grants.

Cook’s departure marks the third police chief to leave the city in 12 years.