Holden: Chief was asked to resign

Mayor Kip Holden says Baton Rouge Police Chief Dewayne White was given the opportunity to resign before being fired Wednesday. “I think he told [Chief Administrative Officer] William [Daniel]: ‘Just go ahead and fire me,'” Holden says. White is appealing the decision. Holden continues to deflect questions about why White was fired, or what the process or criteria might be for finding a new chief, saying he doesn’t discuss personnel matters with the media. However, the dismissal letter, which was released by White’s attorney today, says: “The basis for your termination has to do with a substantial disagreement with the direction of the future of the Baton Rouge Police Department.”When asked if the Metro Council’s discussions about merging the police department with the sheriff’s office would have any affect on his thought process, Holden reiterated his opposition to consolidation. Most of the speculation about White’s dismissal has focused on his often-testy relationship with the local police union. Chris Stewart, president of the Baton Rouge Union of Police Local 237, could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for Holden acknowledged last month that White was one of 14 department heads whose performance was under review. ­—David Jacobs