Sources: Consultant Hired To Help With DPD Chief Search
DENVER (CBS4) - The national search for Denver's next police chief has brought an "executive search consultant" to Denver.
Multiple police sources say Charlotte Lansinger, a specialist in helping police departments select chiefs, was recently in Denver interviewing members of the department and touring Denver Police Department facilities. Lansinger did not immediately return calls Wednesday afternoon.
Mayor Michael Hancock would like to hire his new Chief "as soon as possible," said Amber Miller, a spokesperson for Hancock.
Lansinger is a consultant with PERF, the Police Executive Research Forum, which has been hired by the Hancock administration to conduct the search for Denver's next chief.
Hancock has said he plans to replace Chief Gerry Whitman. Several police contacts, who were not authorized to speak on the issue, say the consultant met with outgoing Whitman, along with about half a dozen other department members.
Nick Rogers, president of the Denver Police Protective Association, said he and other police union officials met with Lansinger last Thursday at the union's headquarters for about 40 minutes.
"She asked a lot of good questions and seemed genuinely concerned with the union's opinions on qualifications for the chief," Rogers said. "We made it clear to her we want someone from the Denver Police Department to be our chief because they know the personnel, they know the city, they know what this city and the citizens and the Denver Police Department needs to succeed."
Hancock previously said the search would cost an estimated $36,000, which would come from private contributions. Miller told CBS4 that while PERF is actively conducting the search, a contract has not yet been finalized.
"It's still under review," Miller said.
She said it was not uncommon for work like this to begin before a contract is drawn up.
"It's a high priority for (Hancock)" to hire a new chief, Miller said.
