By Mike McCombs
The Island News
City Manager Scott Marshall says the search for Beaufort’s next Chief of Police is entering the home stretch.
Marshall said he’s aiming to introduce finalists for the job at a still-to-be-determined date in mid-May. He said he’s waiting to hear back on the availability of those finalists, as well as the City Council and the citizen’s panel assigned to provide feedback.
The position has remained open since the retirement of Chief Dale McDorman in January, when Deputy Chief Stephenie Price has held the job on an interim basis.
According to Marshall, the City, with the assistance of Find Great People, a search firm the City retained, began with 94 total applicants. After a series of interview rounds, that pool has been whittled down to three, he said.
Marshall said he won’t yet name those finalists or confirm of there are any internal applicants, but he said all three remaining candidates have chief experience.
“I’m looking for the best candidate of the ones who apply, naturally, of course,” Marshall said. “But I’d like it to be someone very personable and someone who can engage with the community.”
According to the job listing posted earlier this year, candidates must “exhibit integrity and ethical leadership, knowledge of effective policing strategies, such as Community Policing and 21st Century Policing, and expertise in developing appropriate policies and procedures that will positively affect the Department as it works to meet the City’s strategic goals for public safety. Experience addressing complex issues requiring collaboration and partnerships to resolve, like homelessness, could be particularly of interest.”
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field; a Master’s of Public Administration or related degree is preferred. They should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience, with at least five years in a significant supervisory position.
The chief will oversee a department of approximately 60 people, and report to the city manager. The salary range is from $100,000 to $120,000 a year.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
