Decatur, GA - Police Chief Position Profile

Community Survey

The City of Decatur is conducting a national search to identify its next Chief of Police, and we are seeking insight and input from members of the community and other stakeholders on the skills, experience, and attributes of the ideal candidate. The City will use the survey results to shape the recruitment process, and your thoughtful feedback is appreciated.

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* 1. Which of the following best describes you?

I am a resident of the City of Decatur

I reside in a neighboring community (e.g., unincorporated DeKalb, Atlanta, etc.)

I am a stakeholder who lives outside of Decatur (e.g., work in Decatur, business owner, college student, etc.)

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* 2. What do you consider to be essential qualifications for the next Police Chief? (Select 3)

Experience in a similarly sized community / smaller department

Experience in a diverse community

Experience implementing 21st-century policing principles (e.g., community-oriented policing, crisis intervention, de-escalation)

Existing knowledge of Decatur community

Track record of positive engagement around social justice and race

Well-rounded law enforcement background (e.g., patrol, investigation, administration)

Past experience as police chief

Strategic planning, budgeting, and human resources experience

Political savvy/media savvy

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* 3. What do you consider to be essential attributes or personality traits for the next Police Chief? (Select 3)

Approachable / accessible

Collaborative / team player

Credible / strong public persona

Creative / flexible / open-minded

Empathetic / compassionate

Forward thinking / proactive

Genuine regard and respect for others

Good listener / communicator

Personable / outgoing

Thoughtful / not reactive

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* 4. What type of management style and department culture should the next Police Chief cultivate? (Select 3)

Open-door policy / accessible / not overly hierarchical

Delegator / not autocratic

Spirit of mentorship and coaching

Collaborative / inclusive / team approach

Gives clear direction and holds officers accountable for follow-through

Adaptable and flexible management style based on needs

Sets example of transparency, accountability, and taking ownership

Works alongside other City of Decatur departments / no “silo” approach

Committed to continuous learning / career development

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* 5. What community engagement skills and approaches do you consider essential for the next Police Chief? (Select 3)

Highly visible and active in the community, both professionally and personally

High regard for all members of the community

Understands / embraces Decatur culture

Relatable to youth / committed to engaging youth / treats Decatur students with respect

Trains and empowers all officers to engage in the community (i.e., department is so integrated into community, they don’t have to be “invited in” on issues)

Engages community in creative ways (e.g., town halls, meet-and-greets, educational sessions, etc.)

Community relations officers who enforce the law

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* 6. What are the top three actions that the next Police Chief should prioritize? (Select 3)

Get to know the department and community before making changes

Address officer recruitment and retention

Recruit a diverse police force reflective of the city

Address compensation issues (e.g., pay disparity between new and tenured officers, overlapping pay ranges)

Collaborate / coordinate with campus police departments

Increase innovation and investment in neighborhood/community policing (e.g., officers designated to neighborhoods)

Address disparate experiences and perceptions of various communities

Articulate vision and strategy for engaging youth and assigning/training School Resource Officers

Establish a mental health crisis intervention program

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* 1. Which of the following best describes you?

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* 2. What do you consider to be essential qualifications for the next Police Chief? (Select 3)

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* 3. What do you consider to be essential attributes or personality traits for the next Police Chief? (Select 3)

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* 4. What type of management style and department culture should the next Police Chief cultivate? (Select 3)

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* 5. What community engagement skills and approaches do you consider essential for the next Police Chief? (Select 3)

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* 6. What are the top three actions that the next Police Chief should prioritize? (Select 3)

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* 7. Do you have additional recommendations regarding the Chief of Police recruitment?