The Haverhill Police Department appointed a new acting chief on Friday, only a day after appointing Stephen Doherty to the position.

The decision came after Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett had a “lengthy and detailed discussion” with police union representatives where she learned “new information,” she explained in a Saturday statement.

“Effective immediately, I placed Acting Chief Stephen Doherty on paid administrative leave and appointed Capt. Wayne Tracy as Acting Chief,” Barrett said. “I believe these changes are in the best interests of both the department and the community.”

Doherty was appointed on Thursday as acting chief following former Police Chief Robert Pistone’s retirement, which occurred hours after he was placed on leave due to a no-confidence vote by city police union

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