Mayor Sheng Tao says decision to send Auckland police chief on leave is not a punishment

Standing on the steps of Auckland City Hall, newly elected Mayor Sheng Tao said on Saturday that the decision to fire the city’s police chief was not punitive.

Auckland Police Chief LeRonn Armstrong has been placed on administrative leave by Mayor Tao following a report released Wednesday detailing allegations of police misconduct at the police department. The alleged misconduct could call into question whether the department can get out of the federal oversight it’s been under for about 20 years.

However, Mayor Tao said during her Saturday press conference, “I want to make sure everyone understands that under our administration, we take these findings seriously and it’s important that we consider taking the corrective action that is needed to make sure we stay on track to make sure we get out of federal oversight.”

The mayor added: “This is about public safety.”

Auckland Mayor Sheng Tao held a press conference on Saturday after Auckland Police Chief Leronne Armstrong was placed on administrative leave.

Accompanied by members of her administrative staff, Tao said she was in Washington, D.C. when the decision to send her boss on leave was announced.

At the press conference, Tao said, “I can’t stand here and tell you that the decision hasn’t been made yet.”

A spokeswoman later clarified that Tao accidentally misspoke. “She wanted to say, ‘I can’t stand here and tell you the decision has been made,'” said Julie Edwards, the mayor’s head of communications.

Oakland Police Chief LeRonn Armstrong is on administrative leave following a report released Wednesday detailing allegations of police misconduct at the police department. Jia Wang reports.