The City of Wichita is starting a nationwide search to find a new police chief.   The city has hired the national firm of Public Sector Search and Consulting to oversee the process.

The city has put together a review committee to have community representation in the search process.  The committee members are:

·         Dr. Michael Birzer, Wichita State University

·         Shannon Bohm, President, Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architects

·         Larry Burks, Sr., President, Wichita NAACP

·         Roosevelt “Buck” DeShazer, Sr., Pastor, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church

·         Monique Garcia, Community Partner

·         Jeff Geoffrey, Wichita Metro Crime Commission

·         Dr. C. Richard Kirkendoll, Reverend Bethany Missionary Baptist Church

·         Faith Martin, Senior Project Manager, Workforce Alliance

·         Ariel Rodriguez, Executive Director, Empower

·         Harvey Sorensen, Partner, Foulston Siefkin LLP

·         Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent, Wichita Public Schools

The review committee will work with city staff on the search process, and they will interview candidates who have been reviewed by PSSC.   They will recommend candidates to City Manager Robert Layton for consideration.

The process will involve discussions with community stakeholders, focus groups and a community survey.

A position profile will be created, and then PSSC will post an official job listing and begin recruitment efforts.   The search process is expected to be complete by the fall.

More information is available through the city’s web site at https://www.wichita.gov/WPDChiefSearch/

Gordon Ramsay stepped down as Police Chief on March 1st after serving six years.   Deputy Chief Lem Moore is serving as Interim Police Chief.