Community Corner
Community Input Directs Montgomery County In Search For Chief
Community members took a survey to indicate what characteristics they're seeking in a new police chief, which has been narrowed down to two.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD -- This month, community stakeholders will have the chance to meet the top two candidates for Montgomery County police chief who were selected based upon input provided by the public. County Executive Marc Elrich launched a survey to garner and assess the qualities and character traits the county should seek in potential candidates.
“Many in the community have sent a clear message through survey responses and in person,” said Elrich in a statement. “On June 6, at Kennedy High School, County Councilman Will Jawando and I hosted a community forum about policing to hear from people directly. Having substantial input and participation from our diverse communities, I will select a chief who represents the values of accountability, fairness, justice and transparency. Our diverse population makes us stronger – it is my intent to hire a police chief who understands our commitment to, and support for, our diversity and an understanding of community policing.
The survey was made available to the public via email, a press release and social media. The final tally of responses is 1,123 (1,028 online; and 95 at the forum). The survey results showed respondents rated the top five leading characteristics in the area of “Most important characteristic / competency for police chief” as:
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- Integrity – 26 percent
- Appreciation of Diversity – 17 percent
- Honesty – 15 percent
- Apolitical – 14 percent
- Good Judgement – 10 percent
The entire survey results can be found here.
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