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Police chief search moves to resume review; Fort Pierce PD outlines courthouse security coordination
Summary
Consultant Renee Narloch told the Fort Pierce commission the police chief recruitment has drawn many applicants and that application review will begin next Monday; Fort Pierce Police Department reported interagency security planning for increased activity at the new U.S. Courthouse.
Renee Narloch of Renee Narloch & Associates told the Fort Pierce City Commission on Sept. 15 that the city’s police chief recruitment has produced a large applicant pool and that staff will begin formal resume review next Monday, with preliminary interviews and background checks to follow.
"This is a really important hire for the city and we take it very seriously," Narloch said, noting outreach materials, two anonymous surveys (one for city staff and one for the community) and a simplified online application process. She said the consultant team will summarize survey responses for the commission and expects to make recommendations in October ahead of on-site finalist interviews.
Why it matters: The city’s next police chief will set public-safety priorities and manage day-to-day police operations. Narloch emphasized a fair, objective process and encouraged qualified candidates to apply promptly; she provided contact information and said the position posting and application link appear on the city HR page and the consultant’s website.
Separately, Fort Pierce Police Department leadership briefed the commission on security for events tied to activity at the new U.S. Courthouse and described interagency coordination.
Major Santiago (Fort Pierce Police Department) said the department has been working with the U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security’s federal protective service, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office on planning and delineating roles and responsibilities for upcoming federal trials and courthouse activity. "We started ramping up by having additional meetings and delineating roles and responsibilities...the marshal service...handling courthouse operations...the Fort Pierce PD providing enhanced patrols in the area," he said.
Santiago told the commission that, at the time of the briefing, enhanced patrols were being covered within current staffing without overtime: "None of this is being done on overtime...Those resources are being managed properly within the realm of our budget right now," he said. The department said it continues to monitor intelligence and coordinate scaling of operations with partner agencies.
Commissioners asked that staff keep city employees informed when courthouse activity will increase, so employees who travel to City Hall can be aware of temporary operational or security impacts. The commission requested a brief update to be placed on a future agenda item (10b) if circumstances change or if there is a fiscal impact requiring city consideration.
What’s next: Narloch will begin resume review next Monday and will prepare summaries of survey input and candidate recommendations for the commission in October. Police staff will continue interagency coordination, provide operational updates as needed and alert city staff if additional resources or overtime become necessary.
