FAIRHOPE, Ala. — On the job less than two weeks, the city’s top law enforcement officer wasted no time in announcing several sweeping changes in how the police department will be run.

And in a move sure to upset those who sought to have Capt. Steve Griffis become the new chief, Police Chief Bill Press got the council’s OK Monday to hire interim chief Terry Sanders as the department’s assistant chief.

“The assistant chief position requires a person of unwavering character, someone who may make unpopular decisions during my absence that will be based on the same values and guidelines that I base my decisions on: integrity. honesty, fairness and the law,” Press aid. “Terry Sanders is that kind of man. The strength of our combined leadership skills can only lead our police, fire, corrections and animal control departments to one that others will envy and emulate.”

During his six-month tenure as interim chief, Sanders was criticized for hurting departmental morale and other leadership shortcomings by Mayor Tim Kant, Councilman Mike Ford and other Griffis supporters, who sought to have that 25-year veteran of the department appointed chief. After that effort failed, Griffis announced his retirement one week before a disciplinary hearing that could could have ended his career.

“I know that there will be some people, both internal and external to the organization, that may question my recommendation and hopefully your endorsement and approval of this appointment,” Press said. “Although I know that they are in the minority, I ask that you grant my request based on my personal recommendation and endorsement, as well as Chief Sanders’ past performance, experience and history, not only with the Fairhope Police Department, but within the state of Alabama. And to any who may question my request further, please remember that at the end of the day, it will be me, my reputation, and my actions and decisions that are on the line here.”

The council approved the appointment of Sanders, a former Bay Minette police chief, at an annual salary of $83,097, with Ford the lone dissenter. Press said the vacancy created by Griffis’ retirement, who earned $73,000 a year, will help fund Sanders’ job.

As unexpected as was the Sanders appointment, an equally dramatic series of statements by Press followed regarding a number of “concerns and issues” that had come to his attention, and the plans for addressing them.

Those issues included following some of the recommendations of a state Department of Corrections report regarding changes that should be made at the city jail. Press listed eight recommendations he said should be accomplished within about two months, and that he had assigned Capt. Mike Comalander to oversee the jail’s operations.

Comalander had served as police chief since 2006, but he was not reappointed by the council last year, leading to Sanders’ interim appointment and Press’ permanent hire in June, after a national search that saw 116 people apply for the job.

Press also said “there are no regulations to speak of regarding off-duty work.” He pointed to several changes he would make, also within the next two months, including how officers are paid, and to ensure that all employees have an equal opportunity to work at available jobs.

The new chief announced a number of changes in how internal affairs investigations are handled, a division he said will be led by Sgt. Craig Sawyer.

Press said he would bring new accountability to assignments regarding patrol duties and areas covered.

He also raised the perennial issue of downtown parking violations, saying he had no choice but to enforce the ordinance unless the council made changes in the law.

The council voted for a grace period of one month while the issue was studied, which Ford agreed to work on with Press to propose recommendations to the problem.

The police chief gave his first report to the council in front of a packed crowd of more than 150 people. Many had jeered loudly when the council rejected the mayor’s veto regarding a city administrator ordinance, but during Press’ report they were quiet.

“It’s been a great first two weeks in regards to the continuous warm welcome and well wishes that I have received,” Press said. “I am most impressed with the character and work ethic of the men and women, sworn and non-sworn, civilian and volunteer, representing each division. Further, the common theme of all (those) I have spoken to (was expressed in their) need and desire to become more professional through technology, training and consistently fair leadership. And it is my intent to deliver just that.”