Mayor Drash and five council members used the Sept. 17 meeting to respond to criticism a resident leveled at Police Chief Pritchard at a prior session, and several staff and residents offered direct public support for the chief.

The mayor read a series of items recounted by Chief Pritchard and said public comment may criticize the council but should not include personal attacks on city employees. "When you come up, if that is occurring, I'm going to give that person a warning. And if that doesn't stop, then I will shut the microphone off and ask police to remove that person out of the chamber," Drash said.

Multiple council members joined the mayor in speaking in support of Chief Pritchard. Council members noted the chief’s tenure, leadership and recruitment efforts and said they had not observed the hostile work environment alleged by the commenter. One council member described the chief as a good leader who had helped secure a step‑pay program that staff supported.

Staff and resident remarks

Dan (administrative assistant, Hollywood Park Police Department) addressed the council during public comment and described his four years working under Chief Pritchard. He said he had received many compliments about the chief and that officers stay with the department because of the chief’s leadership. Dan said, "The chief does not do for others out of recognition or praise. He does it because it's the right thing to do."

Mayor Drash and council members also summarized prior context the chief provided about operational decisions. Drash said the chief had undergone dental surgery just prior to a major homicide response and that, after recovering from anesthesia and pain medication, the chief came to assist detectives and stayed 18 hours to help complete work.

Council reaction and next steps

Council members said they appreciated the officers’ service and asked residents and speakers to maintain civility during public comment. The mayor said staff and council will provide reminders to the public about conduct, and that persistent personal attacks would be curtailed.

Ending

Council members closed the discussion by thanking Chief Pritchard and the police department for their service and noting that expressions of community support had been received by city staff following the earlier comments.