Ann Arbor Times

The City of Ann Arbor is announcing 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 Patrick Maguire.

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is hosting the public reception for community members to meet the police chief candidates Thursday, Nov. 30. The event will take place at the Ann Arbor Justice Center 5–7 p.m. The City of Ann Arbor will then hold police chief candidate public interviews during a Special Work Session Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 a.m. in Council chambers at Larcom City Hall. 

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:

Andre Anderson most recently was the assistant police chief of Tempe, Arizona (2021–2023). He previously served as Rochester, New York, executive deputy chief (2020–2021) and commander in Glendale, Arizona. (2012–2020). Anderson has a bachelor's degree in public safety administration and a master's degree in educational leadership.

According to Anderson, “I believe the City of Ann Arbor is working collaboratively to implement plans to enhance an environment where community policing, the community and city government serve as problem-solving participatory partners. I am committed to building mutual trust and public safety while creating a shared vision and leadership approach that sets our agency apart and revered as the nation's model police agency." 

Eric Hawkins is currently the chief of police with the Albany, New York, Police Department since September 2018. He began his law enforcement career in Southfield, Michigan, in 1991, and served as Southfield's Chief of Police from 2012-2018. Hawkins has a bachelor's degree in public administration, a master's degree in public administration and a juris doctor degree.

According to Hawkins, “Ann Arbor is a wonderful community with high expectations for its public servants. I am eager to see if my skill set and service orientation match what the city is looking for in its next police chief."

Kyra Joy Hope is currently the second deputy chief of office and field support with the Detroit Police Department, since February 2022. She began her law enforcement career with the department in 1987. Hope has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in business technology and management.  

According to Hope, “Police accountability and transparency are paramount to gaining and maintaining the public's trust. My responsibility, as the chief, is to set the tone of the department, focusing on internal and external misconduct, and issues involving integrity or the mistreatment of any citizen, where good officers refuse to allow bad actions by other officers to go uncensored. Our police officers should be accountable public servants who work collaboratively, transparently and fairly with all communities we serve by implementing strong policies and training, collaborating with our community stakeholders, and civilian oversight, to ensure that we provide quality service to our citizens. I will utilize community policing, constitutional policing models, and national best practices, to ensure our Ann Arbor residents are proud of their police department and one they can unequivocally trust."   

Carmelin Rivera is currently a lieutenant of internal affairs for the San Diego Police Department. He previously served as acting captain/lieutenant of investigations — sex crimes/child abuse (2021–2023); lieutenant, domestic violence/family justice center (2020–2021); acting captain/lieutenant, neighborhood policing division (2019–2020); and acting captain/lieutenant patrol (2018–2019). Rivera has a bachelor's degree in general studies; a master's degree in executive leadership; and is currently enrolled in a Leadership Studies doctoral program with specialization in organizational leadership. 

According to Rivera, “As a proud U-M graduate, I am excited to be back home in A2. My fundamental vision is to humbly partner with all community and government stakeholders and police leaders to collectively raise the standard of policing in America by positioning the AAPD to serve as the model progressive agency in the U.S. Entrenched in the 21st Century Policing framework, my team will be committed to alternative models of policing — modern, innovative strategies that reimagine and reframe public safety efforts in complex situations, and care for the fluidity and breadth of public safety concerns. We will deliberately expand police wellness programs to foster a culture and system that equips leaders to help care for employees, yielding an environment of high-performance, internal equity, justice and trust, culminating in better customer service to the community. My progressive breadth and depth of experience, along with my doctoral education in leadership studies, have prepared me to guard the delicate boundaries of the AAPD, the representatives of the Council-manager form of government, and the independent oversight groups."

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.

City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. remains committed to providing a new police chief recommendation to City Council for consideration before the end of this year.  

Original source can be found here.