Home Oakley Oakley Solicits Public Input on Police Chief Search

Oakley Solicits Public Input on Police Chief Search

by ECT

Oakley

Oakley residents have until Friday, January 10 to provide input on what questions they would like to ask potential Police Chief Candidates as the City of Oakley moves forward in replacing former police chief Bani Kollo who was promoted within the county.

The City of Oakley put out the following post last night:

If you could ask the Police Chief candidates one question, what would it be? Please offer suggestions. If you can’t think of a question, like one already submitted. That with the most likes will be added to our interview process.

Editors Comment:

While it’s certainly in good taste to seek out public opinion which I can support, the attempt is a misfire for many reasons.

For starters, they are only doing so via social media and it can be argued that many folks who live in Oakley do not have a Facebook account and may not have an opportunity to chime in. The City Facebook Page also has less than 1,000 followers and in a city with 37,000  what is not a lot of exposure. Furthermore, what occurs if multiple questions have the same amount of “likes”?  A better route probably would be to place this question in the outreach email with a contact person to respond to.

Another way to look at this is the process is now in a situation where a candidate who is paying attention can view social media and have a series of potential questions lined up prior to an interview as opposed to the element of surprise.  Answers are now predetermined as opposed to thinking on ones feet.

Finally, perhaps it would be best to flip the line of questioning around and ask questions to residents in order to give the selection committee an idea of what residents of Oakley are looking for in a new chief.  Some questions could include:

  1. Should preference be given to local candidates?
  2. Should preference be given to a candidate who has worked within Oakley city limits in the past?
  3. What improvements in the Police Department would you like to see the new Chief implement?
  4. What is priority number one for the Oakley Police Department?
  5. What management style would you prefer from a Chief?

With residents potentially answering these questions, the selection committee can get an idea of what is important to the community on top of their on philosophical beliefs which means the best candidate for Oakley will be selected.

Burk Byline

By Michael Burkholder
email

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6 comments

Bobby Lott Jan 7, 2014 - 7:52 am

There Burk goes again picking on little Oakley. Just be happy they even asked the question. Who cares if its not the way you would have done it. Asking for any input is better than what has occured in the past.

Joan Jan 7, 2014 - 8:01 am

100% Agree Mr. Burkeholder. I dont have a facebook account so I guess I can’t share my opinions. Sad. Business as usual at City of Oakley where they only want input from those who they seek it from. Not everyone gets a chance.

Maybe the City will answer these responses to your question
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. More officers on the streets.
4. Keeping crime to the west
5. A motivator

Former Chamber Member Jan 7, 2014 - 8:05 am

Oakley doesn’t listen to the public, city staff and city council will do it their way no matter what we say. Sorry, but its the truth. As long as this person has worked in oakley and is local, I am fine with it.

Tammy Jan 7, 2014 - 8:14 am

I enjoy when you put Oakley on notice because it shows you care and that someone is watching. I agree with you and Oakley could have done better in seeking public input. Looks like someone was not thinking when they made a facebook post asking for input. I just want a chief who is local and feels the pain when crime increases. I hope its not someone who is arrogant.

Barbara DuMont Jan 7, 2014 - 9:46 am

I know that as far as the city staff and leaders are concerned my opinion really doesn’t matter but I do have some suggestions for questions:
1. Do you know where the city limits are? (clue-Oakley is not responsible for Bethel Island)
2. Are you familiar with the CVC?
3. Why do you want to come to Oakley?
4. What can you bring to the Oakley Police Dept as the Police Services Manager?
5. Will you be willing to take the heat for unpopular enforcement?
6. Will you allow officers to sit in the station for hours instead of being out in the neighborhoods?
7. How would you improve traffic enforcement on some of the main streets-Laurel Rd, Main Street and E. Cypress Rd?
I could go on and on with suggestions

For why Jan 7, 2014 - 10:12 am

Hey Burk didn’t you get your email questioner

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