The City of Phoenix is requesting input with a community survey regarding the upcoming recruitment for a new police chief. After serving the city for more than 30 years, Phoenix’s current police chief, Joseph Yahner, will retire in October of 2016.
“The police chief is one of the most visible jobs in Phoenix. It requires strong community relationships and the savvy necessary to protect the city and oversee a department of nearly 4,000 dedicated employees,” said City Manager Ed Zuercher. “Seeking this type of feedback is an important start to selecting the right applicant. We want many voices from our community to be heard during this recruitment process.”
The community survey will be available for three weeks beginning Monday, Nov. 9 and closing at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30. The survey is also available in Spanish on the police chief recruitment page at phoenix.gov/pdchiefrecruitment
To take the survey go to phoenix.gov/pdchiefrecruitment, or visit phoenix.gov and look for the link on the homepage. Those in need of a computer can visit a city library and use a public computer for free. Citizens who prefer to fill the survey out on paper can visit Phoenix’s Human Resources Center at 135 N. 2nd Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and city staff will assist. Citizens who need special accommodations to participate in the survey can call(602) 262-6277 or TTY (602) 261-8687.
Earlier this year, Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher appointed Acting Chief Joe Yahner as the permanent police chief. Yahner acted as chief since December of 2014 and after Chief Daniel V. Garcia was fired for insubordination.
Garcia was fired after he defied an order from the city manager to not hold a press conference. Garcia ignored the orders and held a press conference in which he criticized city leaders and demanded a 2-year contract.