Mayor Bill Haslam announced today the dates and locations for community meetings to gather input as he chooses Knoxville's next Chief of Police.

"I believe it's important to have good information from Knoxville residents about what traits and skills the next police chief should possess and the role of the police chief in their community as I make this important decision," said Mayor Haslam.

The first community meeting is scheduled Wednesday, June 23 at Austin-East High School, 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.

Others are scheduled for June 30 at West High School, 3300 Sutherland Ave., and July 1 at Northwest Middle School, 5301 Pleasant Ridge Road.

All meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m.

With the aid of an advisory committee comprised of a broad cross-section of community representatives, the Mayor developed an advertisement for the position that appears today on the city's web site - www.cityofknoxville.org - and will appear on websites and publications of major law enforcement organizations. Deadline for applications is July 8.

The new police chief will succeed Chief Phil Keith, who has announced his retirement effective Aug. 31. The goal is to select the next Police Chief by Aug. 1, although Mayor Haslam said he would move that date if more time is necessary to retain the best candidate.

The Knoxville Police Department is a nationally accredited organization with more than 500 employees and an annual budget of $37.5 million.

The Chief of Police is one of nine senior directors who are appointed by the Mayor and serve at his will. "The citizens who agreed to serve on our advisory committee have provided valuable feedback that will serve me and their city well," Mayor Haslam said.

"I look forward to the advice and suggestions from citizens who attend these community meetings, which will help me greatly in my selection of the next Chief of Police," the Mayor said.