After nearly 20 years of Jerry Dyer, Fresno embarking on search for new police chief
For the first time in nearly 20 years, Fresno city leaders will choose a new police chief. At Thursday’s city council meeting, they’ll share a bit about what that search will look like.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer will retire in October, and the city will conduct a national search for his replacement. That’s estimated to be nearly complete around August.
City Manager Wilma Quan and Personnel Director Jeff Cardell will hold a workshop Thursday outlining the process.
Last month, Faith in the Valley-Fresno called on Mayor Lee Brand to keep his campaign promise and include community members in the search. Brand in response said the process will include “community engagement on a scale and magnitude never before seen in the Central Valley.”
Last October, the city solicited proposals from search firms. The city has retained Teri Black & Company, LLC, according to staff reports.
The city also will solicit community input via an online survey, community meetings in each policing district and selecting community members to participate in interview panels.
The survey is scheduled to be posted online later this month, and the community meetings all will take place by the end of this month as well. The recruitment period will open May 1 and close June 15. Panel interviews will conclude July 31.
In August, the city manager will interview finalists and extend a conditional offer of employment. That’s when a background check will be done and the new police chief’s start date will be determined.
The Thursday city council meeting begins at 9 a.m. The workshop is scheduled during general administration.
This story was originally published April 1, 2019 at 4:29 PM.