Norristown holds public forum to select next Police Chief

The Norristown Police Chief Candidates Meeting took place on July 10 at 6 p.m., aimed at engaging the community in the selection process for the new police chief. Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner opened the session, emphasizing the importance of community participation and outlining the selection process that began in January.

Lightner reported that the search for a new chief attracted 51 applicants, which were narrowed down to a top ten by the council. This group was further refined through interviews conducted by a panel that included council members, community representatives, and two police chiefs from the Chiefs Association. The meeting featured the top three candidates for the position.

Dr. Marina Barnett, a professor at Widener University, was introduced as the moderator for the evening. She highlighted the significance of community input in the hiring process, encouraging attendees to participate through a QR code system that allowed for anonymous feedback. This participative approach was designed to ensure that the community's voice is integral to the decision-making process regarding the leadership of the police department.

The meeting underscored the municipality's commitment to transparency and community involvement in law enforcement leadership, setting the stage for a collaborative evaluation of the candidates. Further discussions and candidate interactions were anticipated as the process continued.