NOPD Task Force Progress Report: International group recruits candidates for police chief

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the world’s leading association of law enforcement executives, has begun recruiting candidates for the next Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Transition New Orleans engaged the DC-based nonprofit to assist the NOPD Task Force with the national search.

“Making the city safe is my top priority. We’re going to hire the best and brightest police chief who will inspire confidence both in the community and in the department,” said Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu. “This is one of the most important decisions I will make as mayor. That is why I’m calling on national experts, community leaders and citizens to be part of the process.”

The IACP posted a job announcement for, “an experienced and innovative law enforcement executive of unquestionable integrity to serve as superintendent of police.” It also calls for candidates to, “demonstrate compelling results in the reduction of violent crime,” and, “possess superior executive capacity in Community/Neighborhood Policing,” amongst other qualifications. The full job posting can be found online at the IACP career Web site, www.discoverpolicing.org or by clicking here. All applications must be submitted to IACP by April 2, 2010.

The job announcement has been shared with a nationwide network of law enforcement experts and professional associations, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Hispanic American Command Officers Association, National Center for Women and Policing, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, and the Police Executive Research Forum.

The criteria guiding IACP’s efforts were developed using input received from task force members, law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, national technical advisors and New Orleans residents. Public input was received at a March 11th community meeting, online and through nearly 1,000 surveys completed by residents.

The selection process:

• A team of evaluators comprised of IACP and NOBLE leadership will evaluate the applications and eliminate candidates who do not meet the criteria.
• IACP and NOBLE leaders will then conduct detailed telephone interviews with the candidates and recommend the most qualified to the NOPD Task Force for on-site interviews.
• During the on-site interview process, each finalist will participate in three parallel interviews:

1. Peer Evaluation Interview: Law enforcement professionals will conduct interviews with each of the finalists.
2. NOPD Task Force Interview: Task Force members will develop a set of questions that they will ask each of the finalists.
3. NOPD Task Force Executive Committee: Executive Committee members will pose specific questions to each finalist.
   

• Based on feedback from peer evaluators and NOPD Task Force Members, the NOPD Task Force Executive Committee will identify the leading candidates for consideration by the Mayor-elect.
• The Mayor-elect will interview these candidates and make the final selection.

“We are conducting this search in accordance with national best practices, and the IACP is assisting us in that effort,” said Dr. Norman Francis, co-chair of the NOPD Task Force. “With the assistance of the IACP and its global network of experts, our task force will present Mayor-elect Landrieu, for his decision, with the most qualified candidates for Police Chief of New Orleans.”

“The process addresses our unique local needs and incorporates national standards of excellence to aid the task force’s search for most qualified candidates,” said Nolan Rollins, co-chair of the NOPD Task Force.

Building on an unprecedented level of support from people in neighborhoods across the city, Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu launched Transition New Orleans, an effort designed to engage citizens in the transition process for the new administration. Transition New Orleans will create task forces to solicit recommendations from experts and citizens. Interested parties can share ideas and apply to participate in the transition at www.transitionneworleans.com.