Five candidates have been selected to interview for the City of Vancouver’s Chief of Police position. The City’s recruitment was expansive and included direct outreach to organizations focusing on equity and diversity in law enforcement. The finalists were selected following a targeted national search, gathering community input, and preliminary screening interviews. In alphabetical order the candidates are:
Joel Fitzgerald, Chief of Police for the City of Waterloo in Waterloo, Iowa
Michael Lester, Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington
Jeffery Mori, Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington
Andrew Neiman, Police Captain for the City of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California
Troy Price, Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington
Candidate bio summaries can be viewed on the City’s Police Chief Recruitment page.
“I am committed to Vancouver’s next chief embracing an equity leadership role as well as being a champion of progressive policing policies that support safety for our entire community,” said City Manager Eric Holmes. “To achieve this, listening to and including the community in the search is an important part of the hiring process. I have invited several members of the community to participate on the panels interviewing the finalists. By including leaders from a range of organizations and communities, we will be able to hear voices and perspectives that have not previously been a part of our hiring process.”
In addition to panel interviews, the finalists will participate in three Community Q&A Sessions May 3-5. During these moderated discussions, candidates will share their thoughts about the future of public safety in Vancouver, be asked about community priorities, and answer questions submitted by community members. Questions can be submitted now at beheardvancouver.org/police-chief. Written questions will also be collected from audiences at the events.
Community Q&A schedule
Tuesday, May 3
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Bates Center for Educational Leadership 2921 Falk Road, Vancouver, WA
For tickets, visit cityofvancouver.us/events
Spanish and Russian interpretation will be available
Co-hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington
Wednesday, May 4
6:00–7:30 p.m.
C-Tran Administrative Building
10600 N.E. 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA
Broadcast on CVTV Channel 23/323HD and CVTV Facebook page
For tickets, visit cityofvancouver.us/events
ASL interpretation will be available
Co-hosted by Clark County Family YMCA
Thursday, May 5
8:30–10 a.m.
Ripple Space
275 W 3rd St Suite 400, Vancouver, WA
Spanish and Russian interpretation will be available
Hosted by the Greater Vancouver Chamber
The City has contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to help manage the national recruitment and hiring process, with the goal of an appointment in June. Find the latest information about the recruitment process, including the position description, at www.cityofvancouver.us/chief-recruitment.
The City is seeking a new chief due to the recent retirement announcement from Chief James McElvain. Chief McElvain is working with the City to ensure a smooth transition before his June 30 retirement date.
Source: City of Vancouver