One commander shifted in his chair.
"Chief, Bellwood has faced difficult conditions for years. Our officers work in a challenging environment."
"I understand that."
Daniel's voice remained measured.
"But difficult conditions do not excuse misconduct."
He opened another folder.
"Before accepting this position, I reviewed the department's public records. I found thirty-seven civil rights lawsuits filed over the previous five years. I found repeated settlements involving allegations of excessive force. I found unexplained losses of evidence from the property room, and I found several internal complaints that had been closed without complete investigative reports."
The room grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Vance looked down at his papers.
Daniel continued.
"These are not isolated administrative inconveniences. They are warning signs."
A division commander raised his hand.
"Are you saying the department has been deliberately hiding complaints?"
"I'm saying that the records require independent review."
Daniel turned toward Vance.
"Deputy Chief, I want a complete list of all unresolved Internal Affairs complaints, all complaints closed without a final investigative report, and all evidence discrepancies recorded during the previous five years."
Vance's expression tightened.
"That will take considerable time."
"Then begin immediately."
"Some of those records may be archived."
"Then identify where they are stored."
Vance looked toward the legal adviser.
"We should review the scope of the request."
Daniel closed the folder.
"The scope is straightforward. I want the records."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Daniel delivered his final instruction.
"Effective immediately, the department will preserve all records connected to disciplinary complaints, procurement decisions, evidence handling, and financial approvals. No file is to be deleted, transferred, altered, or destroyed without written authorization from the independent review team."
He stood.
"I am not asking anyone to agree with every decision I make. I am asking everyone to follow the law and protect the integrity of the department."
The meeting ended without applause.
But every person in the room understood that the new chief had not arrived to maintain the old administration.
He had arrived to examine it.
***
At 10:45 a.m., Daniel entered the chief's office.
The room was spacious and expensive. Dark wooden shelves lined the walls, and framed photographs of previous police chiefs hung above a large desk.
The office had belonged to James Vance during his period as acting chief.
Daniel placed his briefcase on the desk and looked at the photographs.
For decades, Bellwood Police Department had presented itself as a stable institution.
Its annual reports described falling crime rates, successful operations, and strong community partnerships.
But behind those reports, the department had accumulated a history of serious complaints and unexplained administrative decisions.
Daniel removed his jacket and placed it over the back of the chair.
His lip still hurt.
He briefly examined the injury in the reflection of the office window, then returned to the desk.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
Olivia entered carrying a folder.
"Chief, the reception footage has been copied and secured. The original recording is locked against automatic deletion."
"Good. Who has access?"
"Only the technical administrator and the Internal Affairs evidence custodian."
"Have you documented every transfer?"
"Yes."
Daniel nodded.
"Thank you."
Olivia placed the folder on the desk.
"There is something else."
"What is it?"
"Deputy Chief Vance called the reception desk twice. He asked whether I had submitted a witness statement."
Daniel looked up.
"What did you tell him?"
"I said I was waiting for instructions from Internal Affairs."
"Did he ask you to change anything?"
Olivia hesitated.
"He said I should avoid making assumptions. He also told me that an incident like this could be damaging to the department if it was described incorrectly."
Daniel closed the folder.
"Did he tell you to alter your statement?"
"Not directly."
"All right. Write down exactly what he said, including the time of both calls. Keep your own copy."
Olivia nodded.
"Yes, Chief."
Daniel looked at her.
"Thank you for speaking honestly. You did the right thing by preserving the evidence."
Olivia seemed relieved.
She had worked in the department long enough to understand that being a witness could create difficulties, especially when the person being investigated had friends in senior positions.
Before leaving, she turned back.
"Chief, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Are you really going to investigate all of this?"
Daniel looked toward the framed photographs.
"Yes."
"Even if it involves people who have worked here for a long time?"
"Especially if it involves people who have worked here for a long time."
Olivia nodded and left.
Daniel sat quietly for a moment.
He knew that his first day had already changed the balance of power inside Bellwood.
But the assault was only the beginning.
***
Before noon, Daniel received a call from the city manager.
The city manager wanted to discuss the incident and understand how the new administration intended to handle it.
Daniel explained that the matter was being investigated and that the original footage had been preserved.
The city manager sounded concerned.
"Chief Brooks, we have to consider the public consequences."
"What public consequences?"
"The department is already under pressure. If this becomes a major controversy, it could undermine confidence in the police service."