Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving the appointment of a Chief of Police.
Summary
DATE: May 2, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Eva Bark, Executive Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Appointment of a Chief of Police
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On January 27, 2023, the position of Chief of Police for the City of Killeen became vacant. On February 13, 2023, Chief Charles Kimble signed an agreement to stay on as the Chief of Police for a period of not more than 12 weeks until the city recruited a new Chief of Police.
On, February 1, 2023, the city signed an agreement with Public Sector Search and Consulting to perform a nationwide executive search for a Chief of Police. In January, the Consultant met with City stakeholders and developed a recruiting brochure. The firm recruited twenty (20) candidates. On March 28, 2023, City Management and Human Resources met with the Consultant and narrowed the selection to five (5) finalists for an in-person interview. The candidates were interviewed with three panels, one consisting of City Management, one with members of the Killeen Police Employee Association, and one with community leaders selected by the City Council.
The finalists participated in a city tour on April 13, 2023. On April 14, the candidates interviewed with the three panels and attended a public reception that evening. Based on the feedback from the panel members, Mr. Cagle selected Pedro "Pete" Lopez as the City of Killeen's Chief of Police.
Mr. Lopez comes to Killeen with thirty-five (35) years of law enforcement experience. Mr. Lopez started his law enforcement career in 1987 as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Corrections. He then became the Deputy Jailer in 1990 and joined the Houston Police Department in May 1991. He has promoted up the ranks during his tenure with the Houston Police Department to up to Assistant Chief. For the past two (2) years, Mr. Lopez has been serving as the Chief...
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