Operation Phoenix Center under investigation
Something is brewing at the Operation Phoenix Center in the 1600 block of Sierra Way. My sources tell me the investigation was thorough and may have included computer equipment confiscation.
By Robert Rogers and Andrew Edwards
Article Launched: 07/03/2008 01:11:16 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO - Police conducted an investigation at central Operation Phoenix Youth Center Wednesday night.
The investigation is ongoing, Lt. Scott Paterson said today.
Police are remaining mum on the status and purpose of the investigation at the center, which opened to great fanfare as a flagship of Mayor Pat Morris' anti-crime program.
"We're looking into some issues of concern and that's all we have right now, period," Paterson said. "If ever or when we get some info we can release to the press, naturally we would do so."
At the center about noon today, more than a dozen young children played pool and video games while supervisors looked on.
Center Director Mike Miller was not at the site, and his office was locked. Staff on duty declined to comment on Wednesday's events, referring questions to the Police Department.
Miller has not responded to numerous phone calls, and his number was disconnected late this morning.
City Attorney James F. Penman this morning said that he could not comment on any investigations related to Operation Phoenix or personnel who work for the program.
However, Penman - frequently at odds with Mayor Pat Morris - was highly critical of Operation Phoenix's management practices.
"In general the people responsible for the delivery of service to the people and to the youth do not have the minumum qualifications - and I'm not speaking of Kent Paxton - or they lack proper supervision," Penman said.
Paxton, the mayor's iaison for anti-crime initiatives, has several years of social service experience while working for San Bernardino County.
Calls to the mayor's office had not been returned as of 1 p.m. today.