The City of Fort Myers has announced that it has received 155 applications for the Police Chief position. The position was vacated by former Chief Derrick Diggs in August 2020, after he was terminated by the city council. The city will now begin the process of reviewing the applications. A citizens advisory panel will also be formed to interview the top candidates and provide feedback to the city council. The new Police Chief is expected to be appointed by December 2020.
City of Fort Myers announces 155 applicants for Police Chief position
The City of Fort Myers, located in Lee County, Florida, recently announced that it has received 155 applicants for its Police Chief position. The position has been vacant since October 2019, when former Police Chief Derrick Diggs resigned from the position to accept a job in Georgia.
Importance of a Strong Police Chief
The City of Fort Myers has been struggling with high crime rates and a lack of community trust in its police department. According to a report by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the city’s crime rate in 2019 was 174% higher than the state average.
A strong and effective Police Chief is crucial to address these issues. The Police Chief is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the police department, developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing the budget, and ensuring that the department is meeting its goals and objectives.
Furthermore, the Police Chief must also work to rebuild community trust in the police department. This is particularly important in Fort Myers, where the police have been criticized for their handling of several high-profile cases, such as the 2016 shooting of a black motorist by a white police officer.
Applicant Pool
The large number of applicants for the Police Chief position is a positive sign for the city. It suggests that there is significant interest in the position and a desire to work to improve the city’s police department.
According to the City of Fort Myers, the applicants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Some of the applicants are current or former police chiefs, while others are high-ranking officers in other police departments. Some have experience leading large police departments, while others come from smaller towns.
Hiring Process
The hiring process for the Police Chief position is expected to take several months. The initial phase involves reviewing the applications and selecting a group of finalists for interviews.
The finalists will then participate in a series of interviews with city officials, community leaders, and members of the police department. They will also undergo background checks and evaluations to ensure that they are qualified for the position.
Once a candidate is selected, the City Manager will make a recommendation to the City Council, which will then vote to confirm or reject the appointment.
Conclusion
The large number of applicants for the Police Chief position in the City of Fort Myers is an indication of the importance of the position and the desire to improve the police department. The new Police Chief will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the community by addressing high crime rates and rebuilding community trust in the police department.
It is important that the hiring process is thorough and that the new Police Chief is the right person for the job. The City of Fort Myers must ensure that the candidate selected has the leadership skills, experience, and vision needed to make a positive difference for the community.
