Payne’s termination upheld by city manager

City Manager Brenda Fischer upheld Lt. Willie Payne’s termination from the Maricopa Police Department.

Fischer wrote in a letter to Payne that her decision came after reviewing all the relevant information, including the recording of Payne’s appeal hearing before the city’s Merit Board on Nov. 30.

The three-member board, which serves in advisory capacity, listened to testimony at the hearing and recommended to Fischer that Payne’s termination be upheld. Payne was fired by then-Police Chief Patrick Melvin on Oct. 10.

According to the findings of the Merit Board, Payne failed to maintain a professional approach to his duties. At least 12 members of the police department reported hearing derogatory or racially insensitive statements from Payne. Several MPD members reported Payne used profanity often in front of department personnel regardless of rank or position.