Two good options for next police chief

Both finalists presented themselves well to a small crowd at the latest – and let’s hope the last – public forum in the protracted search for a new Wichita police chief.

The respectful atmosphere amid some tough questioning, compared with a confrontational event with two earlier finalists, confirmed that City Manager Robert Layton had been right to restart the search in September to seek someone with a fresh perspective.

It’s to Layton’s further credit that at Monday night’s gathering at Century II it was possible to imagine either of his chosen finalists leading the Wichita Police Department, and finding success doing so.

If one had an edge it was Duluth, Minn., Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, whose 10 years as a chief and good communication skills were clearly evident. He seemed ready-made for Wichita in his talk of “relationship building,” being visible in the community, and training officers so they “don’t force a crisis” and can handle mentally ill individuals. He also had taken care to learn about the department and city and the challenges they face. Another plus: He hasn’t expressed interest in job hunting elsewhere.

Jeff Spivey, assistant police chief of Irving, Texas, since 2011, also is a finalist for the chief job in Corpus Christi. But on Monday Spivey displayed his own thorough understanding of modern policing and the pressure points between citizens and officers in Wichita and many other cities. His answers especially resonated on the public’s desire for officers who have the mindset of a “guardian” rather than a “warrior,” and the necessary elements of what he called “procedural justice,” including that everyone “be treated with respect” and allowed to say their piece. He also spoke from valuable experience about outreach to Hispanic residents.

Both Ramsay and Spivey were cautious in talking about when footage from body cameras should be released, how much power citizen review boards should have, and what should happen to officers who’ve drawn numerous complaints – surely too cautious for some. If it’s a concern that each has spent so many years in one department, and one significantly smaller than Wichita’s, it also reflects well on their commitment to a community and ability to rise through the ranks.

Taken together, the questions asked Monday and in August portrayed a city with some distrust in police, but also a strong desire to get to work with a new chief to change things. Fortunately, Layton has two good options to consider.

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Two good options for next police chief."