News

City seeks input on police chief search

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 28, 2020

The city of Hendersonville is seeking feedback from the public as it launches the search to hire the next police chief.

A survey is available on the city’s website to gather community input on the opportunities facing the department and the qualities desired in the future chief. Citizens are asked to complete the survey by Sept. 11 so the input can be incorporated into the selection process.

The five-question survey asks respondents about challenges the department faces in its relationship to the community, challenges the department faces in general, what skills a police chief should have and what are the most important responsibilities a chief should have.

To assist with the hiring, the city hired Developmental Associates, a Chapel Hill-based consulting firm that will guide the search and selection process. The process is expected to take three to six months. City Manager John Connet will present additional details about the process to the City Council at its regular meeting on Sept. 3. Bill Hollingsed, a former Waynesville police chief who started work as interim chief on Aug. 24, will serve in that role until a permanent chief is selected.