Police union not voting for confidence in Marco Island chief; FDLE is now involved

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — Police Chief Tracy Frazzano has come under fire after accusations of document fraud, excessive discipline, use of police vehicles and more. The allegations come from members of the Marco Island Fraternal Order of Police.

The September 28 letter shows that 23 of the union’s 27 members voted “no confidence” in Frazzano. Three were not present and one gave a vote of confidence.

“It was done as a last resort. This was not something we took lightly,” said FOP President Jonathon Gray.

Watch below to hear senior reporter Kaitlin Knapp’s full story:

Police union not voting for confidence in Marco Island chief; FDLE is now involved

The decision went to City Manager Mike McNees about a week later. In the first letter sent, he calls the trust “broken beyond repair.”

“There were some culminating events that I think members felt some action needed to be taken,” Gray said.

In his opinion, the events took place over the last five years. Five years ago, Frazzano became the department’s first female head.

“In my opinion, this document shows a pattern of behavior,” Gray said.

The 17-page letter provided to McNees contains 24 objections. Topics include charges brought at crime scenes in training gear, operational decisions and more.

The letter said Frazzano lacks “integrity, respect, professionalism and the overall direction of his department.”

Before the 17-page letter was forwarded to McNees, the city manager offered to meet with the union, Frazzano and himself; the union refused.

“I like everyone to be in the same room,” McNees said. “I believe this leads to greater accountability for what is said.”

In his response to the first letter, McNees’ websites do not provide detailed information about some of the concerns, and some of them do not rise to the level of terminable offenses, if they constitute crimes at all.

The FOP responded again, requesting a private meeting, which took place on Tuesday.

McNees tells Knapp that due to the nature of some of the accusations, he asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to become involved in the case.

“They are going to review some of the allegations and, in particular, determine if there is anything that they believe would qualify for investigation from a law enforcement perspective,” he explained.

He says until FDLE looks into it, administrative charges will be stayed.

Meanwhile, McNees claims he spoke with Frazzano. He told Knapp he was working on solutions to make it easier to communicate and cooperate with officers.

Knapp asked Gray if he wanted the chief fired.

“It’s not my personal decision. Members have spoken and I’m sure there are members who feel strongly about that because some of the decisions that have been made have impacted them,” Gray said. “If changes are necessary, they should be made.”

Knapp reached out to Frazzano for comment, but she had not responded by Wednesday afternoon.

McNees says FDLE has not provided a timeline for when they will contact him with possible arrangements.