The City of Knoxville is gathering input to help guide the search for the next Knoxville Police Department Chief. 

Nearly 75 people stopped by one of 4 drop-in style meetings held earlier this month. A fifth meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.

The community is also encouraged to send in any comments or concerns to [email protected]. Comments will be collected through the end of January.

In the meantime, Mayor Kincannon has been meeting with various civic groups, community leaders, and police officers to get additional feedback.  “This will be the most important hire I make as Mayor,” said Mayor Kincannon. “It’s important to me that this process be one that people have the chance to provide perspective on. Every voice matters.”

Also this month, City Council approved a contract with the Police Executive Research Forum. PERF is a Washington, D.C.-based police research organization that has assisted in more than 100 police executive searches.

The job description was posted on Jan. 25, launching the nationwide search for the next KPD Chief. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2022. 

The Mayor is expected to begin reviewing applications over the next several months, with a target date of hiring and announcing a new Chief by May 1, 2022.

For a link to the application and more on the search process, go to https://KnoxvilleTN.gov/ChiefSearch.