5.4. SR 11-08-2010Item # 5.4.
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"'"'`'~` MEMORANDUM
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TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Lori Johnson, City Administrator
DATE: November 8, 2010
SUBJECT: Discuss Police Chief Selection Process
Last Monday, Chief Jeff Beahen submitted his notice of retirement effective November 28.
At an upcoming meeting we will have an opportunity to formally recognize Chief Beahen for
his many years of dedicated service to the City. In the meantime it is important that the
process to select a new chief begin as soon as possible. If a new police chief is not in place
prior to Chief Beahen's retirement, an interim chief should be appointed.
Of course, when determining the selection process, the highest priority is to get the right
person for the position. The person who fits well with the department, has experience in a
leadership position in a police department, and will be dedicated to serving our residents,
among other qualifications. In reviewing selection process options, the first option that
comes to mind is dete+~+r~n~ng whether there are internal candidates who could fill the
position. I believe there are eligible, skilled, and very capable internal candidates who would
serve the City with professionalism and expertise as the City's next chief. There is no legal
requirement for the City to advertise this position; therefore, although the Council may
choose to open this position to external candidates, it is not required. The promotion of an
internal candidate could be accomplished with no disruption to the operation of the police
department, and the position could be filled before Chief Beahen's retirement or shortly
thereafter. If the position is advertised, it will be at least four months before a new chief
could begin.
Further, as with other position vacancies, it creates an opportunity to review the
organizational structure to see if there are changes needed to improve the operation of the
department and the City. Chief Beahen, Captain Rolfe, Captain Kluntz and I have discussed
structural changes and have decided that the current structure works well and should remain
in place.
Finally, as I stated earlier, in this case I firmly believe that we have individuals well suited to
this position within our own department. Therefore, I recommend that we post the position
internally first to fill this position. If we are unable to fill the position internally, the position
could subsequently be opened to external candidates.
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