The city committee overseeing the selection process of a new Madison Police Department Chief expects community input to exceed that of previous police chief hirings due to recent controversies involving the department.
Current Chief Noble Wray announced Aug. 6 he is stepping down after 29 years on the force, nine of which he served as chief.
Attorney Scott Herrick, a member of the Police and Fire Commission, said citizen participation is historically part of the process, but the committee expects it will be magnified this time around because Wray’s retirement comes after a year-long dispute over the legality of officer Stephen Heimsness’ actions the night he fatally shot a local musician.
The MPD exonerated Heimsness of any criminal wrongdoing in January 2013 after conducting an investigation.
During his announcement, Wray said he has been planning his retirement since before the Heimsness case.
Wray will vacate his post at the end of September, but his retirement will not go into effect until Jan. 2, granting Assistant Chief Randy Gaber authority to make executive decisions as acting chief until the PFC appoints a new chief.
The PFC determined Monday it will survey interest within the department in applying for the job but will also seek outside candidates to ensure the job goes to “the best of the best,” according to Herrick, who said there is a “strong pool” of internal candidates.
Herrick said there is no set timeline for the search. The first meeting to collect comments from community members will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the downtown branch of the Madison Public Library, located at 201 W. Mifflin St.
