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Police Commission taps recruiter for nationwide chief search, votes 6–1
Summary
The commission approved Ralph Andersen & Associates to manage the police chief recruitment and outreach, emphasizing the need to recruit passive candidates and build community input into candidate criteria; the motion passed 6–1.
The San Francisco Police Commission on June 22 approved using a recruiting firm for the nationwide search for a permanent police chief, voting 6–1 to authorize Ralph Andersen & Associates to support sourcing, outreach and parts of the vetting process.
Why the commission chose a recruiter: Department of Human Resources Director Mickey Callahan told the commission that recruiters are the most effective way to reach "passive" candidates who are not actively looking for jobs but may be strong fits. Callahan said recruiters can deliver “soup-to-nuts” services or a narrower sourcing engagement, and that the commission can define how much of the work it wants the firm to perform. "The majority usually use a recruiter because it’s the best way … to get passive candidates," Callahan said.
Scope and next steps Commissioners emphasized that selecting a recruiter is the start of a multi-step process. The commission must now define candidate criteria and the community engagement plan that will guide search priorities and interview procedures. Several commissioners recommended forming a subcommittee to handle early resume review and community outreach, and to return to the full commission with a recommended shortlist and public input plan.
Vote and debate The motion to accept the Ralph Andersen bid passed 6–1, with one commissioner opposing the contract award. Commissioners discussed whether to require that the recruiting firm be prequalified under city contracting rules and whether to seek additional bids; DHR noted non-prequalified firms could be used but would face a lengthy qualification process.
Community engagement and oversight President Loftus said commissioners will schedule community conversations to develop the profile of the chief the city seeks and direct the recruiter on key qualifications, outreach and vetting standards. The commission will forward up to three finalists to the mayor for consideration under the charter process.
Outcome and vote The motion to authorize Ralph Andersen & Associates passed 6–1.
