Daniel Aikey named interim police chief in York city following commissioner's abrupt resignation

Mayor Michael Helfrich named Capt. Daniel Aikey, a 26-year veteran of the York City Police Department, as its interim chief Wednesday afternoon following the abrupt resignation of Police Commissioner Osbourne "Moe" Robinson.

The nature of Robinson's departure remains unknown, but with less than a year on the job, it was a widely unexpected move that caused ripples of shock across the city. 

"I truly enjoyed working side-by-side with Commissioner Robinson during some very difficult times for York and for our country," Helfrich said.

Previously reported:York City Police Commissioner Osborne 'Moe' Robinson to resign after less than a year

Like Helfrich, Robinson was a vocal participant during York’s Black Lives Matter protests, and at one such demonstration addressed the crowd not only as the police commissioner but as a Black man who has experienced discrimination in his life.

Robinson served as deputy chief of the Reading Police Department when it was announced that he would be the successor of York Chief Troy Bankert, who retired in January 2020. He was also a former colonel in the Baltimore City Police Department.

During his time with the department, Robinson's annual salary was $115,000. Aikey will be making about $108,640 while serving as acting chief, which is what he was making in his captain role, city spokesman Philip Given said. 

"I have gotten to know Acting Chief Aikey much better since he became a captain, and I look forward to working closely with him and the entire police command staff as we prepare for a new chapter for the York City Police Department," Helfrich said.

More:York City Police Commissioner Osborne 'Moe' Robinson to resign after less than a year

Aikey joined the York City Police Department in January 1994 and has served as a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and most recently was promoted to captain last December. He also served as a supervisor within both the Patrol and Investigative Services Division, according to a York City news release. 

"Acting Chief Aikey has the interpersonal communication skills and strong moral character that we expect in the leader of the police department," White Rose Fraternal Order of Police President Matt Irvin said. "We are happy to work with him."

In a statement Tuesday, Irvin said the police union was "extremely relieved" to hear of Robinson's resignation. 

The City of York will be conducting a search for the next leader of the York City Police Department. Interested parties should stay tuned for the posting at www.yorkcity.org.

Reasons for Robinson's departure

Robinson has not responded to media requests for comment, and although no details surrounding his resignation have been released, it's worth noting that the news comes after a contentious few weeks between the commissioner and the police union. That followed a trial board's decision in a case regarding Clayton Swartz, an officer accused of reenacting, at a party, the death of George Floyd.

More:York City Police officer accused of reenacting George Floyd's death on administrative leave

A trial board found Swartz not guilty on the counts of conduct unbecoming an officer and not being truthful — a decision rejected by Robinson and one the city is currently appealing in court.

Irvin also noted concerns among officers in the department regarding men Robinson brought into the department to work as consultants.

"They were supposed to be giving us training and guiding us on being better at our jobs," Irvin said. "And we have no problem with looking at ourselves and trying to be better, but when you google these consultants’ names, they are littered with controversy and immoral actions."

Those consultants were Kevin Brown, Chris Jones and Brian Hance, who were all Baltimore City Police officers when Robinson worked in the department and were all reportedly let go from that department, Irvin said.

Brown was suspended after being charged with driving a Baltimore City vehicle while under the influence of alcohol after a crash in Harford County. Hance was suspended from his duties while serving as head of the department’s recruitment section. That information comes from previous reports by the Baltimore Sun. 

What the city should look for in the next chief

York City Council members Sandie Walker and Lou Rivera expressed similar concerns over the handling of news regarding Robinson's resignation. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Walker said she still had yet to see a formal resignation letter from the police commissioner and was disappointed that any announcement was made regarding Robinson's departure before Helfrich had a solid plan in place for what would come next with the department. 

"When things are in order, that's when you put out this information," Walker said. "We've had community members calling us left and right since yesterday and we don't have any answers."

And in Rivera's opinion, the community has reason to be concerned. Both council members said the city needs to take its time in appointing the next chief — it shouldn't be a decision that is rushed.

"The city needs someone who will listen to the public and make them feel heard," Walker said in reference to the next commissioner. 

As the national movement for police reform and racial justice grows, the city of York has not been left unscathed. The department has come under scrutiny more than once for officers exhibiting questionable, racially charged behaviors.

Aside from the recent allegations against Swartz, an officer’s employment was terminated last July after he was found to be posting racist comments and pictures on Facebook.

"The community right now is reeling," said Rivera, who hopes the city appoints a diverse candidate to the position. 

"Obviously we want to put the best candidate in place — the most qualified candidate in place," Rivera said. "But also a candidate that can resonate with the people of York, with York being between 60 and 70% people of color, I think that makes sense."