The Los Rios Community College District is currently searching for a new police chief following the retirement of Chief Larry Savidge this past summer.
According to Gabe Ross, LRCCD chief strategies and communication officer, the new chief will oversee the operations and activities of the LRCCD Police Department. This includes security and safety services at all campuses and district locations. The chief would also be the liaison to emergency service agencies and local law enforcement.
The process is being led by a hiring committee, which is co-chaired by Ross and Ed Bush, Cosumnes River College president. The committee also consists of college stakeholder leaders.
“There will be a number of opportunities for the community to provide input into the hiring process,” Ross said in an email to the Current. “Including recent community forums to gather characteristics of an effective chief from members of the community and impression groups, once we have identified finalists in the process.”
A community meeting took place on Oct. 19 with the purpose of hearing input from the community.
Ross said the meeting allowed outstanding feedback from members of the community for characteristics they are looking for in the next chief.
“Some characteristics identified include transparency/excellent communication skills,” Ross said. “An understanding of the unique dynamics of law enforcement on college campuses, and a chief that is responsive to the needs of the department and the college communities.”
A key characteristic being looked for in the new police chief is an understanding of the diversity of people within the LRCCD.
“Someone that knows the importance of the diverse student and staff populations that we have at our college,” Bush said in a phone call with the Current. “Someone that understands community policing through that lens as well.”
The position as the new LRCCD police chief is different from other chief of police positions.
“A couple of things that stood out to me is someone who’s dedicated to the idea of community policing, understanding the difference between leading a department that serves a college as opposed to a department that serves a city or any other kind of municipality,” Bush said.
The committee is accepting applications and working with a firm titled Public Sector Search & Consulting to assist in recruiting qualified candidates from around the country. A final selection date has not been announced.
