Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly confirms Michael (Mike) Hall as Sitka police chief
Summary
The Sitka Assembly unanimously approved the promotion of Lieutenant Michael (Mike) Hall to Police Chief after the hiring panel recommended him and Hall described priorities including recruitment, community policing and a dedicated investigator for crimes against persons.
The Sitka City and Borough Assembly on March 10 unanimously approved promoting Lieutenant Michael (Mike) Hall to Police Chief.
Josh Brantuber, assistant municipal administrator, told the Assembly that a hiring panel led by Municipal Administrator John Leech vetted candidates through multiple interview rounds, community meet-and-greets and public input, and recommended Hall after he completed required Alaska Police Standards Council certification. "After successful completion of the academy and other administrative requirements, he is now prepared to serve as our next police chief with assembly approval," Brantuber said.
The promotion matters because the police chief is the department's public face and sets priorities for staffing, investigations and community relations. The Assembly sought assurances about Hall's approach to community policing and department communication.
Hall told the Assembly he will prioritize recruitment to restore staffing levels and create capacity for specialized work. "Recruiting is getting better," Hall said, noting several lateral hires and academy candidates. He said one near-term aim is to establish a dedicated investigator for crimes against persons — domestic violence and assaults — so victims receive focused, timely support rather than investigations being delayed by competing patrol duties.
On community policing, Hall described his long experience teaching community-policing models and said police should be "part of your community" rather than separate from it. He also stressed visible outreach: "You'll see me everywhere," Hall told the Assembly, adding he plans to attend local events and be out on patrol.
Members asked about accountability and communications. Hall credited interim Chief Chad Gayden for recent improvements in department communication and said he intends to continue those practices and keep the Assembly and public apprised of major incidents and department progress.
The clerk recorded a 6–0 vote in favor of the promotion. Hall will assume the department head role and its budgeted salary and benefits as specified in the municipal personnel structure.
Next steps: The Assembly approved interviews for municipal administrator candidates in executive session during the same meeting; the Hall promotion proceeded separately by recorded vote.
