SUFFOLK, Va. — The City of Suffolk has started its search for the next top cop. Raftelis, a specialized search firm focused on recruiting executives for law enforcement and municipal government roles, will assist the city in the search process.
In October, former Suffolk Police Chief Al Chandler retired after serving the department for more than 20 years and leading for three. Since then, Interim Chief James Buie has guided officers as the city searches for the next chief.
As city staff work to find a permanent leader, they want to hear from community members.
“Let us see you," said Joi Roundtree, a Suffolk resident. "Let us see you out and about, not just when danger comes.”
That’s one suggestion resident Charlie Hollomon would like to see in the next chief.
“Participate in some of the community events that we have," Hollomon said. "Maybe just get to know some of the people.”
City leaders put out an online survey to get resident feedback. The online survey is just four questions long asking residents what characteristics they’d like to see in the next chief as well as some of the important topics they want that person to focus on.
Officials said feedback from a community survey and a separate survey administered directly to Suffolk police personnel will help influence the decision-making process of the selection committee. The goal is to identify a candidate who can effectively lead, inspire and support the Suffolk Police Department in its mission to serve and protect the community.
Hollomon hopes the new chief will prioritize building relationships with young people.
“Most of the time, they just need leadership and show that they’re friendly," he said. "A lot of times, the police department…come up like ‘What are you doing?’ and ‘Why are you out here?’"
Rountree hopes the next chief works with city leaders to create more activities for children.
“Because this part of Suffolk doesn’t even have a skating rink," she said. "It doesn’t have a bowling alley. So, they don’t have anything else to do.”
Most importantly, they want the next leader to be personable.
“Just show more love," Hollomon said. "People need to be more people-friendly and show more love and more compassion.
The survey is open until April 19 and can be found online here.