As promotions within the St. Petersburg Police Department remain on hold, Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin has come forward to explain the freezes.
Speaking with partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, Tomalin talked about the claims of unfairness with the latest round of promotions.
During a March 11 meeting with community leaders and police officials at Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, claims were made that promotions came about after select officers had access to tests or test answers, promotion candidates received help during testing and that the major in charge of training was excluded from the promotion cycle.
Tomalin said she had to act once those allegations were made and a promotion freeze was suggested.
Independent auditors are currently examining the department's promotion process. Those results are expected in about a month.
Tomalin also said the city will conduct a "cultural assessment" of the department.