Ben Godar
The search for the next Glendale chief of police has been narrowed
to eight candidates, but it is unlikely the position will be filled
when Chief Russell Siverling leaves office next month.
City Manager Jim Starbird said if the new chief cannot begin when
Siverling leaves office Dec. 15, someone within the department would
probably fill the role on an interim basis.
"We could have somebody on board by then, but it's probably not
likely," Starbird said.
The start date for the next chief will hinge in part on when that
person could leave his or her current job. Starbird said the decision
should be made by the first of next year.
"These things always take more time than you plan for," he said.
Siverling announced his retirement April 29, after five years as
Glendale's chief. He "maxed out" his retirement benefits in December.
The eight remaining candidates for the position were selected from
30 to 40 applicants by Maximus Executive Recruitment, the Los Angeles
firm coordinating the search. Maximus is being paid $17,000 plus
additional costs, such as advertising.
Officials with Maximus could not be reached for comment.
Jim Patrick, Glendale's former assistant personnel director who
has stayed to direct the chief search for the city, said the
candidates will meet with several committees the next few weeks.
Based on the ratings of those committees, three finalists will be
presented to Starbird.
The committees will represent groups including community members
and the Glendale Police Assn. Each group will have the power to fail
any particular candidate.
"It's nice to be able to give the city manager a three-dimensional
view so he's able to make a complex decision," Patrick said.
Even when the final three candidates are presented to Starbird,
Patrick said city officials have no intention of making those names
public.
"This is part of a confidential process, and it's politically
sensitive for those who are applying," Patrick said.
Patrick would only say he was enthusiastic about the quality of
the candidates for the job.
"We have a good police department and a good city; it's a good
place to be police chief," Patrick said.
