Council keeps Captain Plasus as interim police chief, orders nationwide search for permanent chief

The Minot City Council voted 5–2 on Feb. 3 to keep Captain Plasus as the interim police chief and to direct the city manager to begin a nationwide search for a permanent chief, rejecting the city manager’s recommendation to bring in an outside interim with no prior ties to the department.

City Manager Harold told the council he recommended hiring Mr. Otterness—an outside candidate with documented experience in police leadership—because the department needs “quality strong leadership” from someone who can bring an unbiased, outside perspective. Harold said such a leader could “help us as an organization identify our blind spots” and expedite difficult organizational changes. “That is the main reason why I have made the recommendation to bring in, mister Otterness,” Harold said.

Alderman Lisa opposed bringing in an outside interim at this time and urged patience to allow existing interim leadership to remain while the council and city manager launch a national search. At the dais, Lisa said she believed Otterness “would be the right choice” but added, “I think that he is, very capable of taking this position, but I don't think it's the right time.” Several council members said maintaining continuity under Captain Plasus would help morale and avoid additional upheaval.

After discussion the council approved Alternative 2, which the city clerk summarized as directing the city manager to continue with the current interim chief (Captain Plasus) and proceed with a national recruitment process for a permanent appointment. The meeting record notes the motion passed 5–2 with Aldermen Janser and Ross voting no. Council later approved covering travel expenses for Otterness to attend the meeting by separate unanimous vote.

City manager Harold asked for guidance that the interim chief maintain the status quo and avoid making long-term policy changes until a permanent chief is in place; council discussion reflected a desire to let Captain Plasus manage day-to-day operations while the formal recruitment proceeds. Harold said he will continue case-by-case discussions with Captain Plasus and will bring forward recommendations as appropriate, but he also cautioned that “there will be some things that I would recommend we hold off on until we have a chief in place to help us make that decision.”

Why it matters: The decision balances two priorities the council discussed at length: bringing in outside expertise to accelerate reforms versus preserving internal continuity and morale by retaining an internal interim leader. The council’s direction starts a nationwide recruitment process for a permanent chief while leaving the day-to-day leadership in place.

What happens next: The city manager will proceed with a national search for a permanent police chief; staff and council indicated the search could take three to six months. The interim chief will continue in place and handle day-to-day operations; the city manager said he will limit long-term policy changes in the interim and handle other changes on a case-by-case basis.

Vote: The motion to keep Captain Plasus as interim and to initiate a national recruitment passed 5–2 (Janser, Ross opposed).