Commission reinstates stricter minimum qualifications for deputy police chief, allowing statewide recruitment

The Civil Service Commission voted to revise the minimum qualifications for the deputy police chief, restoring a requirement that candidates have second-line supervisory experience (for example, sergeant or lieutenant) in addition to years of law enforcement service.

Staff explained the police chief requested the revision to return the standard to its prior level after a temporary change last year had broadened eligibility. "The chief would like to move it back to what it was originally... he thinks that they do need to have second line supervision," a civil service staff member said. Commissioners discussed whether college degrees should be required; staff clarified that the department typically promotes from within and that a high school diploma plus law enforcement experience remains the baseline.

The commission approved the revised minimum qualifications and discussed plans to advertise the position statewide to ensure a robust candidate pool, given hiring challenges noted by commissioners.