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should be police chiefs be elected?

Untangling the Knot: Can Electing Police Chiefs Depoliticize Policing?

Unlike sheriffs, the majority of police chiefs in the United States are appointed by City or County Managers, Mayors, Commission Chairs, or some other official. Typically, in small and large cities, the police chief reports directly to the mayor or other elected official, which can make the police chief's job difficult because of politics. In the cities in between, a professional, such as a City Manager, appoints the police chief.This gives the chief some distance from politics, at least in theory. Problem In the intricate web of law enforcement, the intersection of politics and policing is undeniable. From setting priorities to allocating resources, political considerations often permeate every facet of police work. Against this backdrop, the question arises: Can electing police chiefs take the politics out of policing? This inquiry delves into the complexities of law enforcement leadership, examining the potential merits and pitfalls of electoral processes in depoliticizing policing. Elected Police Chiefs? Up until a few years ago, I had no idea that police chiefs in some cities are elected instead of appointed by City or County Managers, Mayors, or Commission Chairs. Years ago, I ran across a news article about Chief Garrett Grogan of the Patterson, Louisiana Police…

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internal or external candidates

State and Local Restrictions Create a Police Chief Hiring Challenge

For most police chief searches, the process is pretty straightforward. If so inclined, the city manager or Mayor just picks the police chief from an internal candidate pool. Usually, though, the job is advertised, and internal and external candidates apply. However, the hiring authority has no choice in some states and cities as the candidate pool is limited to internal candidates only. For example, the City of Akron's recent announcement that it will only consider internal candidates for the next chief of police highlights a significant challenge posed by a little-known state law. This law mandates that all vacancies above the entry-level in safety forces must be filled internally, a revelation that surfaced during legal consultations. Akron’s decision brings several challenges and considerations regarding local governance and police administration to light. Legal Restrictions and Local Governance The primary challenge stems from the legal straitjacket the city finds itself in due to state law. While the city charter usually allows some leeway, stating that promotions should occur internally "whenever practicable," it does not conflict significantly enough with state law to provide any room for maneuver. This legal backdrop restricts the city's ability to select its top officials based on a broader…

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Create a winning resume

Elevate Your Career: Tips for Creating a Winning Resume as an Aspiring Police Chief

Introduction In the competitive landscape of law enforcement leadership, aspiring police chiefs need to equip themselves with a resume that highlights their qualifications and sets them apart from other candidates. Crafting a winning resume requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach to showcasing relevant skills and experiences. This article will explore seven essential tips for creating a standout resume tailored specifically for aspiring police chief candidates. From customization and clarity to quantifying achievements and facilitating easy contact, these tips will help elevate your career prospects and increase your chances of securing the desired position. Let's dive in and discover how to create a resume that grabs the attention of potential employers and positions you as a top candidate for police chief. 1. Customization is Key Customization is a fundamental aspect of creating an effective resume. By tailoring your resume to each job application, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to understand the unique requirements of the position and how your skills and experiences align with them. To customize your resume effectively, start by carefully analyzing the job description provided by the employer. Pay close attention to the qualifications, responsibilities, and desired skills outlined…

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