Palo Alto Police Chief Selection
The City Manager completed a selection process for the next Police Chief. Community input was gained in a variety of ways to gain community priorities for the Police Department and key skills needed for the next Police Chief. Information shared helped inform the City Manager in this effort.
What's New
City Manager Selects Andrew Binder as Palo Alto Chief of Police. Selection of 25-year law enforcement veteran follows extensive community engagement and competitive selection.
Police Chief Recruitment Complete
Themes heard from the community were synthesized into the description of the ideal candidate’s key characteristics. The recruitment was overseen by the City’s Human Resources Director and a formal interview process with multiple interview panels with individuals representing a range of perspectives, including residents, business, faith, education, regional public safety partners and City staff leadership occurred. The City Manager has responsibility for the selection in accordance with the City’s municipal code, subject to approval by the City Council at a public Council meeting.
For more details, read the recruitment brochure linked below.
(PDF, 4MB)
Community Listening Sessions
Thank you to all who attended the listening session hosted by the Human Relations Commission meeting on March 10 with City Manager Ed Shikada, and the two community listening sessions host by City Manager Ed Shikada on March 19 and 31. The input received and other feedback gained via the web input form and direct emails to the City Manager are also helping to inform the process.
Themes heard from the community include transparency, accountability, and the importance of making community connections. Review all the online feedback received(PDF, 287KB). A word cloud of the themes from community input is posted below.
Watch the Human Relations Commission Listening Session
Watch the March 19 Community Listening Session
Watch the March 31 Community Listening Session
Helpful Online Resources