Public feedback sought in police chief search

Posted on May 31, 2019

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason wants public feedback before he picks the next police chief.

Gleason announced Friday the search will be part of the agenda for the next quarterly meeting of the city’s Public Safety and Community Relations Board.

Gleason said hearing the community’s views about the police department is part of a multi-step process, which includes a nationwide search, an internal interview panel, and a community meet-and-greet with the finalists.

Earlier this week, Gleason told WJBC’s Scott Miller and Katherine Murphy he had not spoken yet to any potential candidates.

“Truly have not looked at anybody. Have not reached out to anybody either,” said Gleason.

“I know that there’s going to be a couple of internal candidates, and obviously they’re going to be strong,” Gleason also said.

The public meeting is Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at City of Refuge Ministries at 401 E. Jefferson St.

Current Police Chief Clay Wheeler retires June 21. Gleason anticipates hiring an interim chief until Wheeler’s permanent replacement is chosen.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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