Retired LAPD Captain to Serve as Interim Police Chief

The City of South Pasadena has tapped retired Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Art Miller as the interim police chief, as questions continue to swirl around the unexpected departure of Joseph Payne. 

Miller will be sworn in Monday, said City Manager Sergio Gonzalez. The former captain for LAPD's Metro Division comes to South Pas with 34 years of law enforcement experience. 

"We’re very fortunate to have him join our City and I am confident that he will serve our city very well,'' Gonzalez wrote in an email. 

On Wednesday, Payne will receive a certificate of appreciation from South Pasadena City Council. He has served the community for 37 years. Last month, Payne said that he was asked to step down from the top spot after two and a half years, while Gonzalez maintains Payne opted to resign. 

In Wednesday's edition of the South Pasadena Review, Payne is quoted in an article saying he believes "political pressure'' may have led to his departure. A previous Patch article about Payne's departure led to multiple comments with residents asking for more transparency from the department. 

Related:

Police Chief: 'I was Asked to Step Down'

South Pas Police Chief Resigns

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