BOISE, Idaho — After a week on administrative leave, Jesus Jara, the Director of Police Accountability, has been removed from office. The move is effective immediately.
Mayor McLean calling a special meeting of council Friday morning to vote on Jara's position. After a brief closed session council members voted 5-1 in favor of removing Jara.
Immediately after the decision was made, the Mayor's office put out this statement:
Last Friday, the Mayor's office said there were concerns about Jara's professional judgement and that there was a lack of confidence in the actions of the office.
Jara's attorney released a statement reading, "Mr. Jara is inspired by the courage exhibited by the members of BPD who risked their careers in order to speak truth to power, and remains steadfast in his belief that integrity, accountability, and diligence will ultimately prevail over deceit, incompetence, and shortsighted political convenience."
Jara's attorney says litigation against the City of Boise is forthcoming.
Response from Jara's Attorney following today's decision.
— Jake Garcia (@JakeGarciaTV) December 9, 2022
Litigation is forthcoming. @IdahoNews6 pic.twitter.com/PWWS609Vdu
As far as the status of the Office of Police Accountability, the staff is continuing day-to-day operations alongside the mayor and the 3 council members who help oversee the office, Elaine Clegg, Holli Woodings, and Jimmy Hallyburton. No decision has been made on a potential replacement.
