Burbank police chief to resign amid FBI probe

Burbank’s police chief announced his resignation Monday. The announcement follows a month after the FBI opened an investigation into the Burbank Police Department.

In a statement, Burbank Police Chief Tim Stehr declined to say why he’s resigning. But he acknowledged his department faces “challenging times” and that “the healing process will be a long one.”

Last month, an FBI spokeswoman confirmed the agency is investigating possible civil rights violations by Burbank police officials.

A group of current and former officers has accused the department of engaging in a pattern of racial discrimination and retaliation. Those officers have also filed lawsuits against the city. At the request of the city, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department also has opened an investigation.

Chief Stehr’s been with the department for three decades. He assumed the top job two years ago. Burbank City Manager Michael Flad says Stehr will leave the job within two months, and that an interim chief will serve until the city finds a replacement.