In a statement e-mailed to the Tribune, Police Chief Domingo Ibarra said that a consultant firm’s recommendation, coupled with his own observations and tough economic times, were what prompted the decision to remove the position in the department.

As previously reported in the Tribune, Crabtree departed the city of Magnolia earlier this month after his position of lieutenant was cut by the department.

Crabtree obtained a lawyer and released a statement saying he felt the move was “continuing retaliation” against him for “performing my duty as a Texas Peace Officer.”

Ibarra said that a consulting firm was hired by the city prior to his own employment with the objective of “improving the quality and efficiency of the service in Magnolia for the benefit of the City, its citizens, businesses and visitors.”

He added that the firm, Joe C. Tooley Attorneys and Counselors, paid considerable attention to the MPD’s command structure in its “analysis and commentary.”

“Among other recommendations, the independent consultants specifically recommended elimination of the rank of lieutenant within the Magnolia Police Department to improve organizational structure and reduce inefficiency,” Ibarra wrote.

Former Chief Paul Michna also determined that the position of lieutenant “was unnecessary in a ten-person department and that this additional layer of supervision impaired the operation of the Department,” Ibarra wrote in the release.

Ibarra wrote that the decision to cut the position left him the question of what to do with Crabtree.

“In consideration of his prior service, I offered him the option of resigning from the department,” Ibarra said. “He expressed no interest in a reduced rank position with the Department and I firmly believe based upon my years in law enforcement that, having served in the supervisory role of lieutenant, it would not be fair to him or in the best interest of the City of Magnolia or the Magnolia Police Department to force him into a subordinate position.”

Ibarra concluded the letter saying he felt certain of the decision to cut the position.

“I am confident that this decision, although difficult, particularly because of its effect on the current lieutenant, is what is best for our police department, its officers and our City,” he wrote. “I will continue to strive to increase the level of service and performance of the Magnolia Police Department for the citizens and businesses of, and visitors to, the City of Magnolia while reducing inefficiency and waste during these difficult economic times.”

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