Police Chief Field Cut Down - Questionaires Sent Out - City Manager Questions Police Officers

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 5938

Posted by: RStokes
thehoustonnewspaper@yahoo.com
334-790-1729
Date: Oct 29 2009 9:53 AM

DOTHAN:   They started with 61 candidates for Dothan Police Chief. Three from within the department, seven from the wiregrass area.

That field has been narrowed down to field of 27 candidates. Two from within the department.

A questionnaire, which we have not been able to get a copy of yet, has been sent to the field of 27 to answer. They are required to be returned the first week of November.

From there the City Manager will do a process of elimination. We do not know if he is going to pick a out of town committee to decide who is Dothan’s Police Chief or what method he will use. If Mayor Schmitz and the commission think, they will appoint a guardian ad litem for the city manager in this process.

In the end the City Manager will make a recommendation to the Commission which will vote up or down West’s second most important decision he will make as City Manager. His first he messed up!

Time is of the essence for West. His contract is to be reviewed the first Administrative Meeting in December and then decided on the next meeting. The Commission will evaluate and possibly give him a nod up for a  new contract or nod down. His decision or lack thereof could effect the decision of the commission.

Today West is meeting with 15 Dothan Police Officers. He was requested they come to his office and discuss their ideas of what is needed in the police department. Some say the department is divided and West want’s to know their true feelings.

Some officers are skeptical because of the meeting because they have felt the last four years there has been no support from West or the Commission in their job. In the job that requires split second decisions to be critiqued over days and months. The officers felt from the Chief up they would be axed in any moment.

Since Dothan has been operating with the Interim Chief, Larry Draughon, the officers have seen more support from management which has allowed the officers to perform better. It has allowed a much easier working relationship with other area departments.

Our safety future is in the hands of Mike West. PLEASE appoint him a guardian ad litem!!!

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