Update on Search for Fresno’s Next Police Chief
Starting in May 2019, the City of Fresno began an unprecedented process to obtain public input on the issues, priorities, concerns and qualities important for the Administration to consider in the search for our next police chief. The current police chief, Jerry Dyer, officially retires on October 16, 2019.
Mayor Lee Brand, following through on a promise made to the citizens of Fresno, made community feedback a vital component to the search for a new chief. In order to ensure that the community had as much input into the process as possible, the City of Fresno held a comprehensive, citizen-led public outreach campaign which included an on-line survey to facilitate community engagement as part of the Police Chief recruitment that was available in English, Spanish, and Hmong.
In addition to on-line, the City held five community meetings, one in each Policing District hosted by respected community members with experience in moderating public discussion. Each community meeting was televised live by the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC) on Comcast, U-verse and YouTube.
All comments presented by the community, from both surveys and public meetings, have been turned over to Teri Black & Company, LLC, to help recruit potential candidates from a nationwide search and are presented here. Meetings with those candidates will be held in mid-August and interview panels will include City officials and members of the community.
ONLINE SURVEY RESPONSES
Question 1 – What are the challenges in the City that you would like the new Police Chief to address?
Question 2 – What issues facing the City should the new Police Chief be aware of and understand?
Question 3 – What qualities are most important to look for in the next Police Chief?
Question 4 – Is there anything else the City Manager should consider when selecting the next Police Chief?
COMMUNITY MEETING RESPONSES