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 Department being elected as chief of police.

What? Is that really a thing? Apparently, it is. In 2022, he was reelected.

After doing some research, I found out that a few other cities in Louisiana and West Virginia have elected police chiefs. An opinion piece in a newspaper in 2019 questioned whether the police chief should be appointed or elected.

I don’t know how widespread electing police chiefs is across the country, but I think it’s a question worth discussing.

Benefits

At first glance, the prospect of electing police chiefs might seem to offer a remedy to the perceived politicization of law enforcement. By subjecting candidates to the scrutiny of voters rather than political appointees, proponents argue that elected chiefs can prioritize community needs over political interests. Moreover, they posit that electoral accountability can foster transparency, responsiveness, and legitimacy within police departments.

Challenges of Electing Police Chiefs

However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced reality. While electoral processes may theoretically detach police chiefs from direct political influence, they do not exist in a vacuum. Campaigns for police chief positions can become politicized affairs just like any election, characterized by competing ideologies, endorsements from political factions, and promises tailored to appeal to specific constituencies. Consequently, elected police chiefs may enter office indebted to political backers, compromising their ability to act independently and impartially.

The politicization of police chief elections can also exacerbate divisions within communities, particularly along partisan lines. In politically polarized environments, campaigns for law enforcement leadership can mirror broader ideological conflicts, further fragmenting societies already beset by discord. This polarization can undermine trust in law enforcement and hinder efforts to forge meaningful partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve.

Moreover, the electoral imperative to appeal to voters may incentivize police chief candidates to prioritize short-term populist measures over long-term strategic planning. Policies aimed at addressing systemic issues such as crime prevention, community engagement, and officer accountability may take a backseat to campaign promises focused on immediate concerns or popular grievances. Consequently, the pursuit of electoral victory may come at the expense of effective and sustainable policing practices.

Allegations of cronyism, partisan interference, or ineffective leadership can challenge elected police chiefs. The electoral process has not always succeeded in insulating police chiefs from political pressures or ensuring optimal outcomes for communities.

Challenges of Appointing Police Chiefs

Nevertheless, proponents of electing police chiefs argue that the alternative—appointment by political authorities—poses its own set of challenges. Appointed police chiefs may be susceptible to undue influence from elected officials, compromising their independence and integrity. Moreover, the lack of electoral accountability can diminish transparency and public trust in the selection process.

In addition to navigating the complexities of electoral politics, police chiefs must also contend with the delicate balance of power between law enforcement leadership and elected officials. Upholding the integrity and independence of the police department often requires chiefs to push back against undue political influence, particularly when it encroaches upon matters of personnel management. This can prove to be a daunting challenge, as police chiefs may fear repercussions such as termination or forced resignation if they oppose the directives of elected officials or city managers.

The pressure to comply with political agendas can undermine the chief’s ability to make decisions based on professional judgment and departmental needs, compromising the effectiveness and integrity of law enforcement operations. In such instances, maintaining principled leadership and advocating for the interests of the community may require considerable courage and resolve on the part of police chiefs, even in the face of personal risk or professional repercussions.

I witnessed firsthand where an appointed police chief was put in a position of having to discipline an officer because an elected official expected that outcome, and the chief would have likely been fired for making a different decision.

On the other hand, I served as police chief for 15 years with the Dunwoody Police Department under two different city managers, four different mayors, and around fifteen different city council members, and I never once had anyone try to inappropriately influence my position or decisions.

I may be in the minority, though.

Alternatives to Election

In light of these considerations, the quest to depoliticize policing cannot rely solely on electing police chiefs, which is not likely to change any time soon. Instead, it necessitates broader reforms aimed at fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Transparency measures and public reporting requirements can enhance accountability and mitigate the influence of politics on policing decisions.

Furthermore, investing in community policing initiatives, training programs, and diversity recruitment efforts can strengthen ties between police departments and the communities they serve, reducing reliance on political patronage or electoral considerations. By prioritizing evidence-based practices and data-driven approaches, police departments can insulate themselves from the vagaries of electoral politics and focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for public safety and justice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while electing police chiefs may offer certain advantages in terms of accountability and legitimacy, it is not a panacea for depoliticizing policing. The inherent complexities of law enforcement leadership, coupled with the realities of electoral politics, pose significant challenges to the ideal of impartial and effective policing.

Unlike elected sheriffs or police chiefs, appointed police chiefs face the inherent uncertainty of job security on a daily basis. Their tenure is contingent upon the favor of elected officials or city managers, leaving them vulnerable to replacement at any moment, with or without cause. The specter of being replaced looms large over their decision-making processes, compelling them to navigate a delicate balance between professional duties and political considerations to maintain their position.

In contrast, elected sheriffs and police chiefs enjoy the relative stability of fixed terms, typically lasting four years, providing them with a degree of insulation from immediate dismissal unless faced with significant failures or misconduct. This fundamental difference in employment dynamics underscores the contrasting pressures and challenges faced by appointed versus elected law enforcement leaders, shaping their approaches to governance and decision-making within their respective roles.

Moving forward, efforts to reform and professionalize law enforcement must encompass a multifaceted approach that promotes transparency and fosters trust between police departments and the communities they serve. The decisions made by police chiefs must be free of political influence and based on facts.

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