Police Chief Search
About The Search
With the departure of the City’s Police Chief in March 2017, the City Manager, over the past several months has worked to gather input from Residents, Council and Staff in an effort to select the next Police Chief. The City Manager has chosen Springsted|Waters to conduct the search which is now underway.
Please see the Police Chief Recruitment Process link under Links & Notes to view the general process and timeline for completion of the search.
Current Project Status
December 15, 2017
Six candidates were selected for and participated in interviews on two days in late November. The interviews were designed as a full day assessment of each candidate consisting of interviews by an administrative panel and a police operations panel, tours of the City and of the facility, a presentation by the applicants, a meeting with the Senior Leadership Team, a meeting with Command Staff, and a one on one meeting with City Manager Suzanne Ludlow. Using a collaborative approach, the interview team was strategically chosen so the City Manager could garner insight from many levels and perspectives on the position with the ultimate decision resting with her. The team was comprised of 19 participants including Chiefs from two local Police Departments, a representative of the Takoma Park Police Chief’s Advisory Board, Captains of the Takoma Park Police Department, and members of City Staff representing various stakeholders – including youth and teens as well as the local Police Union.
Following the interviews each evening, the team gathered to discuss the candidates with whom they met. Based on the input from the team and her individual interviews, two candidates were selected as finalists for the position. The two finalists have been invited to attend a series of Meet & Greet sessions with members of Council and Police Staff the week of December 18th.
The City Manager is expected to make a decision on the preferred candidate within several days of the Meet & Greet sessions.
November 1, 2017
The City Manager has selected several candidates to move further in the process. Completed questionnaires submitted by candidates are being reviewed and preliminary video interviews of candidates are being conducted.
It is expected that in-person interviews will take place before the end of November.
October 23, 2017
Acceptance of applications concluded October 16th. The City Manager, with the assistance of Springsted|Waters is assessing applications selected for further review.
September 29, 2017
Springsted|Waters begins the formal review of applications and will use the criteria provided by the City Manager and key stake holders to evaluate the candidates’ qualifications. Those applications selected for further review will be forwarded to the City Manager on or about October 16, 2017.
September 12, 2017
The position was posted with various professional law enforcement organizations, including minority and women organizations, several of which are listed below. Springsted|Waters is currently accepting applications.
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Publications:Police Chief Magazine
- International Association of Women Police (IAWP)
- National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)
- National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
- Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
- Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
- Maryland Municipal League
- Careers in Government
September 6, 2017
Several members of the Senior Leadership Team and one member of Council will be taking a Leadership and Management Style assessment. The results from the assessment will be used as the base line to help determine the key competencies, work values and leadership and management style for the position. Once identified, well qualified candidates will be given the assessment and their results will be compared to the baseline as established by the City.
The results from the resident and Police Department staff surveys have been submitted to the Consultant.
The analyses from the assessment and surveys will help the Consult to better identify well qualified candidates.
Project Lead & Contact Info
For Applicants:
Chuck Rohre
Email: Crohre@springsted.com
Phone: 214-466-2436
For General Inquiries:
Alexis Blackwell
Email: Alexisb@takomaparkmd.gov
Phone: 301-891-7201
Police Chief Search Details
Project Info & Timeline
Target Completion Date: December 2017
Takoma Park’s role in project: Lead
Departments Involved: City Administration
Budget & Funding Source
Project Budget: $24,500
Sources: General Fund
