Clearwater Police Chief Sid Klein Announces Retirement

Clearwater Police Chief Sid Klein announced his retirement at the conclusion of his monthly staff meeting on August 13th. He gave his official six-month notice; setting Jan. 29, 2010 as his last day.

Chief Klein began his career with the Clearwater Police Department on Jan. 5, 1981. During his command, Chief Klein has recruited, trained and retained top caliber people in the law enforcement profession. He has also established an international reputation for CPD as a professional and progressive police agency.

“Sid has had such a distinguished career as the Clearwater Police Chief for over 28 years. He has many accomplishments during his tenure and leaves behind a legacy of exceptional policing. We congratulate him on a great law enforcement career,” said City Manager Bill Horne.

Chief Klein has built lasting programs and initiatives that will remain in place for years to come. He integrated community policing over 20 years ago. “In order to build roots in the community, you must be a part of the community,” said Chief Klein. Community policing in Clearwater has stimulated community involvement and established positive and lasting police/community relations.

In 2001, Chief Klein also launched a community policing program, Operation Apoyo Hispano, to reach out to Clearwater’s growing Hispanic population. The program enables the department to reach out to our Hispanic neighbors, bridge the gap in communicating with our Spanish speaking population, seek ways to positively resolve law enforcement issues, and increase the number of bi-lingual police officers and staff. “Chief Klein and the Clearwater Police Department have been very helpful in addressing issues in the Hispanic Community. We’ve worked very closely with the department over the past decade and hope to continue that positive relationship,” said Odilon Mezquite with the Intercultural Advocacy Institute.

Chief Klein was instrumental in establishing the Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP) in the mid-90s. The program is designed to help the homeless build self-esteem, set goals, get jobs, and permanently take them off the streets. “He has shown a compassion as well as an understanding in helping all citizens of Clearwater, including those without housing,” said CHIP Executive Director Ed Brandt.

When Chief Klein retires next January, he will have officially reached his 29th year with the Clearwater Police Department. “I would like to thank all CPD employees, the City Council and the City Manager for their support. I will continue to provide quality service to our citizens until such time that I proudly relinquish my command,” said Chief Klein.

"Without question, Chief Klein has positioned Clearwater as one of the finest police departments in the country," said Mayor Frank Hibbard. "His leadership has been a great asset to our city. We wish him the best in his retirement."

The City of Clearwater will conduct a national search for Chief Klein’s replacement. This will be a collaborative effort between the City of Clearwater, the Clearwater Police Department and the Police Unions, as well as the citizens of Clearwater. Once the candidates are narrowed down, a short list will be introduced to the public. The national search will begin immediately.

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