Candidate forums scheduled in search for new St. Paul police chief

Chief Tom Smith is stepping down; city officials will hold the forums and use a 32-person search committee to help select a new chief.

By Joe Kimball

Jan. 15, 2016

St. Paul officials are looking for a new police chief and have now scheduled dates for two forums that will give citizens a chance to meet and question the candidates.

Chief Tom Smith is stepping down after a six-year term; a 32-member selection committee will help narrow the applicants down to five finalists before the citizen forums.

Those will be:

Mar. 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Central High School Auditorium, 275 Lexington Pkwy. N.
Mar. 31, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Johnson High School Auditorium, 1349 Arcade St.

Residents can also comment on the chief selection process by responding online to these questions: “What characteristics and experiences do you believe are most important for Saint Paul’s next Police Chief and why?”

The goal is to have a new chief inn place by June 1.

City Council President Russ Stark said: “The council is looking for a candidate with integrity, approachability and a commitment to serve the diverse community that is St. Paul. I believe that this process, which relies heavily on input from the community itself, will produce a top candidate.”