Monrovia: December 2010 Archives

Reported in today's paper that Rio Hondo college is investigating potential problems with its Police Academy beyond a testing breach being investigated by the state.

At the heart of the allegations - that include employees watching porn and improper range training - is the school's former Dean of Public Safety and the academy's supervisor Joe Santoro.

Santoro, the former Monrovia Police Chief, is also a Glendora resident that announced his bid for the City Council this week. With his background, both educational and administrative, Santoro was a potential favorite in that election. Now, the fate of that election bid may be directly tied to the outcome of these allegations.

Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune

Likely candidate for the Glendora City Council will leave his post at Rio Hondo college, officials said today.

WHITTIER - Rio Hondo College officials have announced that Dean of Public Safety Joe Santoro, who was overseeing the college's police academy when it was suspended by the state in October for a breach in testing security, has gone on personal leave and plans to retire next summer.

Currently, the academy remains on suspension following an incident where a police academy instructor discovered actual test questions on a cadet study guide, which college officials said they self-reported to POST.

Santoro has applied to run for Glendora's council. With his history as a police chief and educator, he could be one of the top competitors. His sudden exit from Rio Hondo and the police academy's suspension during his tenure could taint his campaign. At the same time, the fact the program was awarded for excellence can't be ignored.

Email: daniel.tedford@sgvn.com | Twitter: @dgtedford @sgvtribune | Facebook: SGVTribune