Livingston Aldermen Set Process For Police Chief Search

The Livingston Board of Alderman set the requirements and time line for the police chief application process in a special called session Tuesday night.

Alderman Kelly Coleman offered an initial draft that was amended several times before approval. Coleman said he used samples to form the listing.

“Basically, I went through and highlighted things I like in blue and things I didn’t like in yellow from all of the samples and then just combined them and made mine,” Coleman said. “I’m curious about what you all think.”

After about an hour of discussion, the board unanimously decided on the requirements. It includes a salary based on qualifications to not exceed $61,000. Applicants will also be required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Science and 10 years of experience or 10 years of similar experience that includes 5 years in a supervisor role.

The posting will be listed on August 22nd until close of business on September 30th. MTAS Consultant Warren Nevad said the process usually takes about 60-90 days from the first listing.

“I think it is a very good draft,” Nevad said. “It’s very direct. You have your salary range and someone can read this ad and not have any questions.”

The Board also decided to utilize MTAS for some of the application assessments. MTAS Police Consultant David Moore went over the procedures later in the meeting. Moore said each candidate would be scored based on the process.

“I’ll take that list and build a matrix that comes from the job analysis that we do with your city,” Moore said. “We are going to be looking at eight basic competencies that you need to have. How we get to those competencies is going to be different from your city than everybody else and part of that starts with a resume review. We will then have another meeting like this and we’ll say these are the ones that I found that meet the minimum qualifications plus the best fit for you.”

Moore said the city would select five or less candidates that fit the position. Once the city approves the pool, the organization would select a panel to conduct the structured interview process. Moore said it would focus on past behaviors in other job roles and incorporate role play situations.

Coleman asked Moore how the city should handle Interim Chief Ray Smith if he were to apply.

“Should that person have any other special consideration?” Coleman said.

Moore said he recommended to allow the candidate to get the position through merit and go through the full process.