CC 2020-07-14_06b Confirmation of Appointment of Chief of Police_PP
Consideration of Confirmation of Appointment of Chief of Police
7/16/2020
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7/16/2020
The Chief of Police position became vacant on July 9, 2020, with the planned retirement of Chief Beau Pryor.
On June 12th, a thorough selection process began
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7/16/2020
The selection process contained 18 sequential steps such as :
Conduct interviews with existing Chief and Dept. Executive Assistant
Review of Commanders’ background and work performance records
Determine adequacy of internal recruitment vs. open
Review of Dept. peer evaluations
Met with R.A.C.E Matters SLO and received written input
Incorporation of several input points into structured questions and scenarios
Conducted 3 in person interviews/meetings w/ each candidate
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7/16/2020
With all of the information gathered and in-depth interviews completed, the recommendation to your Council is to:
Confirm the appointment of Commander Michael Martinez as the City of Arroyo Grande's new Chief of Police
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7/16/2020
Framework for the City of Arroyo Grande Police Chief Selection Process (in Chronological Order of Steps to be Undertaken):
Development of a profile of the position based on the unique characteristics and needs of the City of Arroyo Grande and with consideration of the Civil Rights /Black Lives Matter movement
that is occurring now and into the long term future.
Profile: a qualified Chief of Police with a demonstrated ability to lead the Department and engage a diverse population to ensure the safety of all members of our community. The Chief
will be open and committed to dialogue and to maintaining support from and for the entire community and City leadership. Have a vison for the department that includes a proactive approach
to reform.
Receive input from the current Chief of Police regarding the needs of the Department and the benefits of promoting one of the two current Commanders to the position of Chief of Police
(beginning in late May and ongoing)
Presentation Arroyo Grande Police Department regarding Policies and Procedures and Training Program – presentation by both Commanders (completed 6/23)
Develop hiring selection process (completed 6/24 and ongoing)
Discussed the finalized hiring selection with HR. Human Resources (completed 6/22 and 6/24)
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7/16/2020
Acting City Manager and Acting Deputy City Manager conducted initial interviews of Commanders (completed 6/25)
Same list of questions developed in conjunction with Human Resources and asked of both candidates
Review need/adequacy internal versus open recruitment
Conduct internal department interviews:
Executive Assistant (completed June 26)
Chief (completed June 29 and ongoing)
Review peer evaluation conducted at the request of the Police Officer Association (POA) (completed June 26)
Receive input from the POA via conversation with POA President (completed June 26):
Strong preference expressed by the POA to hire from within the Department rather than recruit an outside candidate
POA will support either Commander if chosen as next Police Chief
Review Commanders’ background and work performance records
Background checks – Both Commanders are currently in FBI/DOJ data base and any misdemeanor or felony crimes are reported directly to the Police Department (based on the “Ban the Box”
legislation, confirmation of criminal background cannot be completed until conditional offer stage).
Performance Evaluations – Conduct a review of performance evaluations from beginning of employment with the City of Arroyo Grande to present (to be completed by July 2)
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Internal Affairs - Citizen complaints, “use of force,” officer involved shooting incidents, or any other internal affairs investigations will be reviewed, while also recognizing the
Peace Officer Bill of Rights (completed by July 2)
Input from R.A.C.E. Matters SLO and local NAACP regarding traits/characteristics that make an excellent police chief
R.A.C.E. Matters SLO (completed by July 2)
NAACP SLO County Branch (coordination could not be achieved - will consult at a later date)
Discuss updates to the hiring process with Human Resources (completed July 2nd)
2nd round of interviews of the two Commanders (completed July 9th)
Specific follow-up questions will be asked of each candidate based on information collected to date
Confirmation of candidates’ qualifications meeting the position profile and requirements of Chief of Police (completed July 7th)
Final decision meeting with each candidate
Conditional offer of employment to one candidate and begin negotiating terms of employment (completed July 9th)
Discuss selection with each candidate to ensure continuity of service following appointment and to offer feedback
Concurrence and confirmation by the City Council (anticipated to occur at the July 14 Council Meeting)
Present the Appointee to the community. It is important that the candidate be presented to the community through a series of announcements and public events (as possible during COVID-19
restrictions).
Press release
A press conference announcing the new chief
A reception in the new chief’s honor
The swearing-in ceremony
Community events and meetings
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