Dyer doesn't care what you think of OPD's next chief
Orlando City Hall doesn’t care what you think about the next
person selected to become Orlando Police Chief.
Even though city officials around the nation – including
Orlando – claim they want to improve relations between the police and communities of
color – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will likely make the hiring decision on his
own without discussion with the community.
 |
| OPD's new HQ |
“The police chief is an appointed position and like all
other appointed positions, he is appointed at the discretion of the mayor,” the
mayor’s spokeswoman said.
“Chief (John) Mina is still Orlando’s police chief,” the
spokeswoman continued. “Until, or if that changes, Mayor Dyer is not
speculating on what future decisions he will make.”
Despite those comments, Chief Mina has expressed his interest
in running for election to replace Sheriff Jerry Demings.
Demings, a former Orlando police chief, has already
committed to run for election as Orange County Mayor. Voters will select the
next sheriff.
With more than 700 sworn officers, Orlando has a big-city
police department. Yet the Orlando mayor traditionally selects chiefs from
within the department’s ranks. Most average residents don’t know OPD’s current
deputy chiefs – the candidate pool the mayor will probably pick from.
Other cities conduct national searches and use head hunters
to consider the best candidates from around the country.
Cities such as Chattanooga, Tenn. convened a citizens
panel to set the criteria for candidates, evaluate candidates
and recommend their selection to the mayor. Chattanooga has about 500 sworn
officers.
Hiring an outside candidate to become the next police chief
creates an opportunity to introduce new ideas and approaches. It also disrupts
“old-boy” cliques within OPD.
Promoting a chief from within the ranks perpetuates the
department’s culture – both the good and the bad.
Comments
Post a Comment