By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has selected a former police chief who resigned from his post following allegations of misconduct to serve as chief of detectives in the department’s operations bureau.
Ryan Lee, a current resident of Baltimore, was asked to step down as Boise, Idaho police chief by Mayor Lauren McLean in 2022 after complaints from nine officers regarding verbal abuse, a hostile work environment and favoritism, were publicized in local press. Lee was also sued by Boise Police Sergeant Kirk Rush that same year who alleged that Lee injured his neck in an unsanctioned restraint during a team briefing.
The announcement of his appointment to BPD came on Dec. 11. In an email to the AFRO, Lindsey Eldridge, a spokesperson for BPD, said the department was aware of the circumstances surrounding his previous post.
“The department is aware of his previous service in Boise, as well as his departure— none of which disqualify him for his new position with BPD,” wrote Eldridge.
She noted that Lee was selected after an “extensive” four-month hiring process and pointed to BPD Commissioner Richard Worley’s statement on his appointment.
“Ryan Lee is an experienced leader, and we are grateful to have him with the Baltimore Police Department and city of Baltimore,” said Worley in a Dec. 11 release. “He brings significant and relevant experience to addressing the challenges in policing. Lee will be taking on a critical role for the department, as we continue to drive historic reduction in violent crime and rebuild trust with the communities we serve.”
According to KTVB7, a Boise affiliate for NBC that first reported on Lee, allegations against the former police chief included declining to put an officer on probation because of their personal relationship and interfering with an investigation of an officer who made conflicting statements about his involvement in a shooting. Multiple officers also alleged that Lee’s behavior led to mental health breakdowns.
Boise Police Sgt. Kirk Rush sued the city of Boise in 2023, claiming that Lee caused significant damage to his neck during a training exercise. Rush alleged that Lee targeted him after disagreeing with his plans for the police department’s K-9 team, according to KTVB7. In October, the city settled the lawsuit, paying Rush $850,000 .
The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) told the AFRO it is crucial for Baltimore City officials, and those from other jurisdictions, to conduct comprehensive background checks as part of their due diligence in ensuring any appointed leader is fit to guide the department and serve the community effectively.
The organization said the complaints about Lee should be seriously considered.
“These types of issues can significantly impact the culture of any law enforcement agency and its ability to function optimally,” said Jeffrey Glover, president of NOBLE. “It is vital that cities take these factors into consideration when appointing candidates for leadership roles, as effective leadership is key to the success of any police department.”
Glover said his organization trusts that BPD assessed any potential leadership challenges for Lee and that the department will be transparent when addressing any raised concerns.
“Law enforcement agencies’ reputations are built not only on the competence of their leadership but also on the trust they maintain with the communities they serve,” continued Glover. “It is in the best interest of the department and the city of Baltimore to appoint individuals capable of fostering a positive and productive work environment while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
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