The City of Fresno has begun its search for a new police chief to replace outgoing chief Andy Hall, the city announced Wednesday.
At the annual State of the City address on June 30, Fresno Mayor Lee Brand announced that the search would be nationwide.
“The City is looking for a leader with a thorough understanding of community policing and a track record of working well with diverse populations,” the city said in a press release. “We are looking for someone with a reputation for building community trust and working collaboratively with the community.
Fresno’s next Chief of Police must be able to lead the department into a new era of policing and implement the recommendations coming from the Police Reform Commission through the City Council and Executive Committee. We are searching for the right leader to keep the people of Fresno safe while preventing crime and reducing crime rates.”
The city encourages all applicants to apply by Aug. 6.
Brand initially conducted a search last year to replace former chief and current Mayor-Elect Jerry Dyer, who stepped down to run for office.
Hall’s selection came as a surprise at the time since he was not an active candidate to replace Dyer, even though he had been with the department for 40 years, including three as a deputy police chief.
With Hall set for retirement next year, Brand is charged with looking for a permanent replacement as Dyer’s administration will take the reigns in January.
Whoever the pick is, the new Chief of Police will have to juggle various budgetary concerns due to the coronavirus-caused economic downturn and possible policy changes that the newly-formed Police Reform Commission will bring to the table.
The Commission – headed by former city councilman and police officer Oliver Baines – will bring policy recommendations regarding police reform to the Fresno City Council.
