Ann Arbor Times

The City of Ann Arbor is hosting a public reception for community members to meet the four candidates who would like to be Ann Arbor's next chief of police. The police chief position is currently vacant, with duties being fulfilled on an interim basis by Deputy Chief of Police Aimee Metzer.

The United Way of Southeast Michigan and the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County are hosting a public reception for community members to meet the police chief candidates Monday, August 14. The event will take place at the Ann Arbor Justice Center 5:30–7:30 p.m. The City of Ann Arbor will hold police chief candidate public interviews during a Special Work Session Tuesday, August 15, at 8 a.m. in Council Chambers at Larcom City Hall. The Special Session will be available to view live via Community Television Network's YouTube channel and available via video on demand. 

The city's recruitment process is being led by Baker Tilly, an executive search firm. The city engaged with members of the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission to help identify the ideal qualities Ann Arbor's new police chief should possess.  Information on the candidates follows:

Nathaniel Clark most recently was the chief of police of Forest Park, Ga.,(2019–2023). He previously served as Fort Smith, Ark., chief of police (2017-2019) and deputy chief of investigations and uniform bureaus in Albany, Ga. (2008–2016). He served as chief of police for Pine Bluff, Ark., 2000–2002. Clark has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in public administration.

According to Clark, “Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) integrated into Constitutional Policing ensures equal protection and justice for all citizens. When law enforcement professionals embrace and apply DEI concepts to policing, the community and law enforcement build a culture of trust and transparency which can strengthen a deep and lasting partnership, thus building a strong and safe community."

Marcus Dudley was most recently chief of police for Abilene, Texas, since 2021. Previously, he served in various police leadership roles in Aurora, Colo., since 2013. He earned a bachelor's degree in business economics.

According to Dudley, “In law enforcement, we must not be afraid to re-examine what we do in the performance of our duties.  It is not acceptable to avoid change because the status quo is the way it has always been done.  That said, we also have a responsibility to our community to operate efficiently and effectively by not being wasteful through pressing for change for change's sake."

Christopher Hassig is currently the commander of police with the Houston Police Department since February 2021. He began his law enforcement career in Houston in 2006. Hassig has a bachelor's degree in political science and Russian area studies and a master's degree in business administration.  

According to Hassig, “I stand by the ideal that we in law enforcement are here to serve the public and shall do so by abiding local, state, and federal law. Society has greatly changed over the last few decades and will continue to do so. Along with a changing society are greater expectations for police officers. I would take the changes suggested by City Council and the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission and work within my leadership team and the Ann Arbor city leadership to best enact those recommendations, while being in compliance with all laws and ensuring we as a department can provide service the community deserves to be and feel safe."

Latesha Watson is currently the office of public safety accountability director for Sacramento, Calif., since 2020. She previously served as chief of police, Henderson, Nev. (2017–2019) and deputy chief of police, Arlington, Texas (2002–2017). Watson has a bachelor's degree in speech; a master's degree in public administration; a Ph.D. in management and organization leadership and a Ph.D. (ABD) in international psychology, organizations, and systems concentration.   

According to Watson, “Organizational culture fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as continuous learning is a necessity. Organizational culture within police departments triggers professional or unprofessional actions and behaviors. Police organizational cultures should focus on establishing respect, effective communication, and accountability on every level. The way organizational members treat one another should transcend outward and be the example of how those team members interact with the public."

All persons are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office at 734.794.6140; via email to cityclerk@a2gov.org; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office | 301 E. Huron St. | Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests need to be received at least two business days in advance of the meeting.

In the coming weeks, City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. will provide a new police chief recommendation to City Council for consideration at a future meeting.

Original source can be found here.