Police Chief Selection A Political Hot Potato

Palm Springs, California.  The selection of a new Chief of Police for Palm Springs has taken a new twist. The field of candidates has narrowed with two finalists remaining. One is an outsider, San Diego Assistant Chief Robert Kanaski, and an insider, local interim Chief Al Franz. The choice of which candidate to hire rests with City Manager David Ready.

The Palm Springs Police Officers Association (POA) has turned the selection process into a purely political undertaking. They've decided who they want for their new boss and have issued a public endorsement urging the appointment of interim Chief Al Franz. The POA also had a representative on the panel selection committee that produced the list of finalists. In the Army privates don't get to choose Generals and the Auto Workers Union doesn't get to pick who heads Ford and General Motors. Why should the POA be allowed to choose who will be their boss? Why did the POA decide to turn the selection process into political theater?

The choice of a new police chief has now become an extremely hot political potato. Interim Chief Al Franz has received considerable support from the local GOP political establishment and that, along with the POA endorsement, means the community's influential conservative faction is behind him. If Al Franz is selected will he forever be seen as the POA's man and the "conservative" candidate? Will the City Manager appear to have caved in to the POA and other political pressure groups? If Al Franz is selected will there always be the perception political influence landed him the job?

The City Manager is expected to make his hiring decision based on job and community qualification factors unrelated to politics. The Chief of Police is an extremely sensitive position and the appointment needs to be one that satisfies the entire community. Unfortunately, the POA and others have now made it  impossible to achieve that satisfaction goal. Any choice that's made will probably alienate major community segments. It's a shame the various pressure groups failed to conduct themselves as interested observers and offer wise counsel. Campaigning for a particular candidate has not proved helpful.

Bond Shands
Palm Springs
 
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Posted by Desert Observer at 6/7/2011 10:23 AM
Categories: Opinion, Politics, City Council
Tags: Palm Springs Palm Springs Chief of Police David Ready Al Franz Palm Springs Police Officers Association
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