SPOKANE, Wash. -- Spokane Mayor David Condon announced he will be not be hiring anyone within the ranks of the Spokane Police Department to fill the top cop position in his search for a new Spokane Police Chief.
In a press conference Friday, Condon announced he was re-launching the search for the city's Police Chief position with the intent of finding a candidate who possesses four main qualities: a "solid understanding of metro policing models, experience in implementing cutting-edge policing techniques and approaches, the ability to be comfortable in the public eye, and the desire to integrate him or herself into the Spokane Community."
The Mayor explained that no one within the Spokane Police Department will be considered since they do not have extensive experience with understanding metro policing models. That means Interim Police Scott Stephens will not be applying for the position despite that he previously announced an "interest" in the job.
Stephens was appointed Interim Chief by the Mayor in early January after former Chief Anne Kirkpatrick retired. He has worked for the department for 26 years.
The Mayor established the list of candidate qualities based on input from citizens in the community.
"Restoring public confidence in our Spokane Police Department remains my highest priority. I believe we now have a solid understanding of what our community wants in a new Chief, and we are in a good position to attract top talent to run our department," Mayor Condon said in a statement.
The City previously sought applicants for the position of Police Chief primarily between November and mid-February. About a dozen people applied for the job but the Mayor wanted a larger and more diverse pool to select potential candidates. He also wanted to learn about the qualities our citizens would value in a new Chief.
"Our next Chief will need to lead us through ongoing reforms and continue to enhance our effectiveness," the Mayor says. "This is a very important position at the City."
Applications are due by June 30. The Mayor said he is hopeful he will be able to name a new Chief in August.
A detailed selection process with a number of interview panels is being developed.
Chelsea Kopta will have more on KHQ Local News at 5 & 6.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KHQ. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
