Oakland police chief resigns

Oakland Police Chief John Peek has resigned after more than two years in the position. According to the town, he submitted his “resignation/retirement” letter to Town Manager Steve Koontz June 7.

It read: “Please accept this memorandum as my letter of intent announcing my retirement from the Oakland Police Department. I have been working for the Oakland Police Department in one capacity or another since July of 2006. During my tenure here, I have watched the town and the agency grow I incredible ways. I am truly proud and honored to have been a part of this community for so long.

“I leave an agency with some of the best law enforcement professionals I have ever worked with. During my time as chief of police, I have greatly increased the amount of charity work and professional in-service training for the officers. I instituted body cams and set the agency on a path toward accreditation. I leave a community that I feel truly loves their police department.”

Peek’s resignation comes at the same time the town asked the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to handle an administrative review. According to town officials, this is not a criminal investigation.

Town and the police department officials would not comment on the administrative review. Because of confidentiality laws, the town cannot discuss active investigations or release records.

“The town is working diligently to fill the leadership role at the police department,” town officials said. “Lt. (Angela) Campbell is temporarily in charge as we work to fill the leadership role at the police department.”