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Menlo names interim police chief

by Sandy Brundage

Veteran police chief Lee Violett stepped in on Aug. 6 as departing Menlo Park chief Bryan Roberts stepped out, the city announced.

City staff said he'll make $90 an hour in addition to retirement benefits as Menlo Park's interim police chief, a role that is not entirely new to him. He previously filled the gaps in Millbrae and Half Moon Bay. He left the latter post after nearly a year, moving on in 2011 as that police force consolidated under the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Prior to that he served 26 years with the city of San Mateo and then as police chief for San Bruno, according to the Menlo Park announcement.

"I'm looking forward to working with the talented and dedicated police men and women in Menlo Park," Chief Violett said in the announcement. "It's a great department with an excellent reputation in the law enforcement community and I am honored to be able to support them in their work."

Menlo Park is currently searching both internally and externally for a new police chief. Bryan Roberts gave notice in July, 23 months after taking the job. He cited family concerns as among the reasons for accepting a new position as chief in Draper City, Utah.

Finance director Carol Augustine said that the recruitment process used to hire Chief Roberts cost the city $18,518 in 2010.