Police-chief search remains in progress
By: Tamara Barak Aparton
Examiner Staff Writer
May 27, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO — San Franciscans will have to wait a little longer to learn the name of their next chief of police.
Police commissioners had hoped to have names of their final three candidates on Mayor Gavin Newsom’s desk by Friday, but acknowledged Tuesday that the selection process is taking longer than expected.
“The date is kind of a moving target. We’re a few weeks away at least,” Police Commission President Theresa Sparks said. “We thought we’d be ready, but that’s probably not going to happen.”
For each candidate’s interview, all of which are in closed sessions, police commissioners are required to give 15 days public notice.
Navigating the schedules of some of the out-of-town candidates has been time consuming, Sparks said.
Outgoing police Chief Heather Fong has agreed to put off her retirement until a replacement has been found.
The commission has interviewed both internal and external candidates, but has carefully guarded the confidentiality of the applicants.
Mesa, Ariz., police Chief George Gascon is rumored to be among those being considered for the position. Police commissioners have refused to confirm the names of any individuals among the applicants and have condemned reports of police officers trying to sabotage the search process in hopes of ushering in a favorite from within the San Francisco Police Department.
Newsom will have the final say on one of the three eventual candidates. If he disagrees with the choices, the search process will start over.
