Part 2/9:
This incident underscores a troubling trend: appointing personnel based on identity politics rather than competence. Smith’s background as a “diversity pick” seemingly hamstrung her ability to lead effectively, and her inability to articulate the department’s hierarchy revealed the perils of politicized leadership. Her promotion, from chief equity officer to police chief, embodies the broader flaw of prioritizing ideological credentials over operational expertise—an issue now endemic across various sectors infused with DEI priorities.