Search For Next Palo Alto Police Chief: Community Input Sought

PALO ALTO, CA -- Palo Alto residents have until Wednesday, Aug. 16 to provide their input about the qualities and characteristics they desire in the city's next chief of police. The position became vacant following the retirement of Chief Dennis Burns, whose entire 35-year law enforcement career was spent with the city.

City officials anticipate the selection process will involve "multiple phases with in-depth screening of potential candidates," with the final candidate selection made by the city manager and confirmed by the city council, according to a news release.

Responses received from community members through an online survey will be provided to the executive recruitment firm assisting the city in identifying the key qualities and areas of focus for Palo Alto's next police chief. [Click here to access the survey.]

City officials anticipate that a new chief of police will be appointed and will assume the role sometime in November.