Santa Monica Chief Steps Down After Criticism Over Riot Response

The police chief of the Los Angeles-area beach city of Santa Monica is stepping down amid anger over her department's response to protests and riots following the death of George Floyd. 

Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud announced her retirement last week after more than two years in the role and nearly three decades in law enforcement. A statement announcing her departure highlighted her accomplishments as chief, including a 16% reduction in crime in 2019 and increasing the number of trained officers to help the homeless. 

"However, recognizing that recent events both here in Santa Monica and around the nation have strained community-police relations, Chief Renaud has made the decision to step aside so that the Santa Monica Police Department can continue to move forward," the statement said. 

Calls for Renaud to be fired intensified after more than 200 businesses were looted and vandalized by rioters May 31. She was also criticized by activists over her officers' use of tear gas and less-lethal projectiles during what they characterize as "peaceful protests," Fox reports.

Her last day will be Sunday. She will assume the presidency of the International Association of Chiefs of Police on Oct. 23. https://www.foxnews.com/us/santa-monica-california-police-chief