The Associated Press
TUCUMCARI, New Mexico (AP) - Police Chief Dennis Townsend has resigned amid citizen complaints of officer harassment and a petition being circulated seeking his removal from office.
Townsend’s resignation will become effective Nov. 29, Tucumcari city manager Richard Primrose said.
Townsend could not be reached for comment. Primrose said he was on vacation.
Over the last 10 months, Tucumcari residents had claimed police officers were harassing law-abiding citizens.
Tucumcari Mayor Mary Mayfield said Townsend gave no reason for his resignation in a letter.
Primrose said a search will begin immediately for a new police chief.
Townsend worked for Tucumcari’s police department for almost 20 years. He was named interim chief in 1997, then became chief in 1998.