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2nd Choice

Navigating the Challenges of Accepting a Police Chief Appointment When You Are Not the First Choice

Taking on the role of a police chief is an enormous responsibility, one that comes with its fair share of challenges and complexities. But what happens when you step into this role amid controversy, where you were not the first recommendation of the city manager, and the city council's vote was not unanimous? In this article, we will delve into the unique difficulties and obstacles that arise when accepting such an appointment, and how police chiefs can effectively navigate them while striving to build trust, transparency, and a sense of unity within their departments and communities. I have been a student of police chief searches for many years and have participated in several myself. In most instances, the City Manager or Mayor’s recommendation is accepted by the City Council, and the vote is usually unanimous. However, that is not always the case. I recently ran across an article where the City Manager’s recommendation of a candidate for police chief was rejected by the City Council. The City Manager then brought forth his second recommendation, which was accepted by a majority of the City Council. Based on the way the article is worded, the selection of the internal candidate was not…

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top secret

Shadows in the Selection Process: The Hazards of Keeping Police Chief Applicants Secret in Louisville, Kentucky

In contrast to the release of the names of all the applicants for police chief in Fort Myers recently[i], Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has refused to release the names of any of the nineteen applicants for police chief of the Louisville Police Department. [ii] Instead, various Louisville officials argue they cannot release the names of the applicants because of privacy concerns and past decisions by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office stating that candidates not chosen deserve protection. [iii] However, is this the best decision for the community of Louisville? In May, I wrote an extensive article that listed the pluses and minuses for police chief candidates' when their names are released as part of the hiring process. You can read the full article here. This article will not focus on those same concerns. Instead, the focus will be on the community’s perspective. Transparency Expectations One of the most critical expectations of government is that it is transparent and accountable. That it doesn’t operate in secret. Citizens expect their government to be transparent. All 50 states have passed open records laws that require specific records to be available to the public. [iv] Even in Louisville, Mayor Greenberg had recently restructured their…

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police chief interview

First Impressions Matter: 8 Techniques for Excelling in Your Police Chief Interview

In law enforcement, becoming a police chief is the pinnacle of one's career. However, the path to securing this position is a challenging one. One of the most difficult aspects of becoming a police chief is standing out in the interview process, as there are usually many qualified candidates. A successful interview requires making a great first impression on the interviewers. This article will explore eight ways to make a great first impression during the interview. 1. Dress for Success When it comes to interviews, dressing for success is a must. As a police chief, you will be the face of the department, and you need to present yourself professionally. The key is to wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel confident. A well-tailored suit and dress shoes for male candidates and a smart business outfit for female candidates is always a safe bet. If you are an internal candidate, showing up in uniform is a conservative move but not always the best choice, especially if there are multiple internal candidates. 2. Do Your Research Before your interview, research the department and the community it serves. Knowing the department's mission, values, and goals will help you tailor your responses to…

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