Saturday, October 23, 1999
Norwood chief retires under cloud
BY ALLEN HOWARD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NORWOOD — Timothy Brown's decision to drive after drinking alcohol, then lying after crashing his automobile, has cost him his police chief's job and tarnished an otherwise unblemished career with the Norwood Police Department.
Mayor Joseph J. Hochbein on Friday said that Mr. Brown, who has served the department 25 years including his last three as police chief, will retire in the wake of his September conviction on charges of falsification. He remains on administrative leave without pay.
The charges against Mr. Brown stem from a Dec. 5, 1998, accident in which he crashed his Jeep into a utility pole on his way home from a Christmas party. He filed a report saying the vehicle was stolen.
“His retirement will be made official sometime this year,” Mr. Hochbein said. “The next step is for me to contact the law department and begin the process to fill the police chief's position.”
Mr. Hochbein praised Mr. Brown's work, citing his civic involvements, his work with the community-oriented police program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, the bike patrol and in training other officers.
He said Mr. Brown's record before the accident was clean.
“I have thought about the seriousness of what he did. There are three things that I consider very serious. One, he was dishonest. Two, he violated the body of law our officers are sworn to uphold and, three, he lied to other police officers,” Mayor Hochbein said.
He said he would have considered bringing Mr. Brown back on the force in a lesser capacity if he had not retired.
“But I think his retirement is in the best interest of the community,” Mayor Hochbein said.
He said he had spoken with
Mr. Brown about the seriousness of his crime and how difficult it would be for him to return.
Mr. Brown, who could not be reached for comment, was sentenced to 12 days in jail by Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Norbert Nadel on Sept. 23. He has been serving the sentence at the Justice Center on weekends.
In earlier statements, Mr. Brown, 46, admitted that the spotless record began to deteriorate when he turned to alcohol under pressures of the job. He said he drank out of frustration when he couldn't handle the stress of trying to improve the department.
The announcement of Mr. Brown's retirement was a relief for some officers.
“I am glad this is over so we can get on with the business of appointing a chief,” said Lt. William Schlie. “The mayor appointed a sergeant as acting chief over four lieutenants. We want the civil service test so the proper appointment can be made.”
Acting Chief Sgt. John Murphy said he could take the test if only one lieutenant took it. If all four lieutenants take the test, none of the seven sergeants are eligible, Mr. Murphy said.
“I don't think I want to take it. At 50, I don't do too well on tests. I have 261/2 years in, and usually, most officers here retire after 25 years.”
Mr. Brown joined the force on Oct. 7, 1974. He was made chief on March 11, 1996.
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