Columbia begins recruiting candidates for police chief
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Columbia Police Department officially began advertising its police chief position Friday.
The department posted the job posting to its Facebook page. The post encourages interested candidates to apply by Sept. 11.
The post takes you to the city's page which provides an overview of its search efforts. The city hired the firm Public Sector Search and Consulting to help find the next chief.
So far, Public Sector Search and Consulting has held nine forums. These forums were held for stakeholders and community members to gather input, "on the qualities that make an ideal candidate and what they hope the next police chief will achieve," according to the website.
On the application page, it says the Ideal candidate will, "be a servant leader with impeccable integrity and advanced communication skills." It also said, "a person who is genuine, personable, welcoming and humble in all facets of their interactions."
The proposed starting salary for the position ranges from $122,482-$188,682.
Requirements include:
- At least three years of management experience in law enforcement, or substantive training and education in management and education of management and administration.
- A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police administration, or a related field.
According to the post, the department has a budget of $31 million that is used in part to pay 191 sworn and 57 professional staff.
During Wednesday's Citizens Police Review Board meeting the department's Interim Chief Matt Stepehens said the city manager hopes to have the position filled by November.
The search for a new chief comes after former Chief Geoff Jones retired. Stephens began serving as the interim chief of police at the end of July.
