12/4/09: BART asks what you want in a new police chief
on December 4, 2009
BART has announced a new online survey asking the public to weigh-in on what characteristics they want to see in the next BART Police Chief and to suggest the most important tasks on the incoming chief’s agenda.
Chief Gary Gee retires at the end of a difficult year for the transit agency – beginning with the New Years Day shooting death of Oscar Grant in Fruitvale and the controversial glass-shattering arrest in West Oakland on November 21. Both of these incidents were captured and broadcast by passengers on YouTube. All eyes are on BART next spring as it selects a new head for the beleaguered police force.
BART’s survey is asking respondents to rate a battery of managerial skills and experiences – including “an ability to develop and maintain partnerships with diverse communities” and “experience bringing about change in a law enforcement setting.”
The survey ends January 7, 2010. An early timeline for the selection process presented to the BART Police Department Review Board on November 25 listed final rounds of interviews by March 2010.
What would you look for in a police chief?
What do you think should be the new Police Chief’s first priority?
Let us know your suggestions in the comments below.
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