SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Friday there was no need for a local or national search for a permanent police commissioner — Cheryl C. Clapprood, named acting commissioner in February, was the best person for the job.
“I had the person right here,” Sarno said of the four-decade veteran of the department. “She has done an exemplary job and she has been well received and respected in our community and in the Police Department. She’s brought back confidence and stability to the department. And I know she is going to do a great job.”
Sarno announced a four-year contract for Clapprood in a Police Department conference room filled with police officers and supervisors. The announcement was followed by applause, salutes and handshakes.
“I’m honored,” Clapprood said. “I think, to me, it shows the confidence and approval from six months as acting (commissioner). It came suddenly and unexpected so I got like six months on-the-job training.”
Sarno said Clapprood has been aggressive in taking steps toward the implementation of body cameras, intended to improve the police transparency and accountability. She has also worked to expand the C3 neighborhood policing program and “continues to build on positive relationships in our neighborhoods.”
"She's tough but she's fair," Sarno said.
Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood speaks at an event announcing her appointment Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)
In addition, Sarno described Clapprood as “very decisive in her leadership and vision for the department.”
Clapprood said she was confident the acting position would be temporary.
“I just look at this as a stepping stone to continue what I started,” she said.
Asked about her priorities, Clapprood said she wants to address issues such as police morale and police-community relations.
Clapprood said she is “worried about the rank and file” officers given some negative public perceptions of the police.
"I know that morale has got to come up a bit, I know that job satisfaction has to come up," Clapprood said. "I'm concerned about mental health of the officers."
Clapprood said she looks forward to implementation of the body worn cameras for all police. The city is seeking bids for the camera equipment and all officers will receive training.
She said she is pushing for a large police academy class in the fall to deal with officer shortages.
In February, Sarno announced Clapprood’s appointment as acting commissioner following the abrupt retirement of Police Commissioner John R. Barbieri.
Barbieri stepped down amid department controversy including multiple police misconduct cases and an ongoing federal civil rights investigation.
Some city councilors have argued for years that the Police Department should be overseen by a five-member civilian Police Commission rather than a single police commissioner. Sarno has steadfastly held to the current police commissioner system.
Clapprood said she will strive to get the support of the City Council.
Under her new contract, Clapprood will be paid $190,000 a year to start, city officials said. City records list her current annual salary as $175,000.