LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Three current members of the Louisville Metro Police Department, including a woman, are among five finalists for the job of Louisville Metro Police Chief, Mayor Greg Fischer announced on Friday.
The five finalists are:
Fischer said he plans to hire a new chief by April 1st.
"We have five very solid candidates," Fischer said, "and I look forward to hearing directly from them about their goals and visions for LMPD."
Police Chief Robert White arrived nine years ago. His job was to merge two departments and ease racial tensions. Nearly a decade later there Yvette Gentry is the only minority finalist.
Raoul Cunningham, president of the Louisville branch of the NAACP, says having a female and minority in consideration is "progress." He does, however, wish there was more of an opportunity for the public to give input.
Metro Council members hosted community forums before finalists were named where people could give feedback. No more are scheduled. Fischer will personally interview the candidates over the coming weeks.
WAVE 3 contacted all of the finalists. A Public Information Officer with LMPD says internal candidates are not commenting.
WAVE 3 was able to reach Steve Conrad, Chief of Police in Glendale, AZ and former LMPD Assistant Chief by phone.
"This would be just a great opportunity for me to come home and if it works out, it would be very very exciting," said Conrad.
Rick Sanders, Chief of Jeffersontown Police Department returned an email inquiring about his selection.
"I look forward to meeting with Mayor Fischer to share with him my vision with regards to the future of the Louisville Metro Police Department," wrote Sanders.
Glen Skeens, who has risen through the Owensboro Police Department to Chief, released a statement:
"I am humbled to be considered a finalist for the position of Chief of Police with
the Louisville Metro Police Department. While this is an honor, I would like to
assure the members of the Owensboro Police Department and this community
that my commitment to them remains strong. I have always enjoyed my service
to this great department and I will continue to serve our community. Out of
respect for the selection process and all those involved, I will reserve further
comment until the process is complete."
Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WAVE, a Raycom Media Station. 