Column: Too important to politicize

Since being appointed to the police commission in January of 2019 healing a politically driven division within the department has been our #1 challenge. It is for this reason, and with the goal of healing this division, that we decided we needed as fair and impartial hiring process as possible (a sentiment echoed by both the public and members of our department). For our next chief to have a chance of succeeding, how we select them will be nearly as important as who we select. Our job is to find and hire the best available person to do the job regardless of who is popular, well connected or politically expedient – and that is the job we intend to do.

Therefore, we chose to implement a formal, fair, and impartial process. We worked with the Town Council to locate and hire an HR firm to act as an unbiased 3^rd party during the hiring process. The Town Council vetted their services and officially contracted them on August 6^th. The Police Commission officially requested the use of their services at our meeting on August 15^th and the Town Council unanimously approved that usage on August 20^th.

On August 27^th we met with the HR firm and they walked us through how to conduct a professional and proper application process. They discussed with us in detail what qualities we were looking for in an applicant. Together we drafted an official job description (which did not yet exist) and a professional job posting. We posted the opening on several job boards, the town website, and on social media. Applications were sent directly to HR eliminating any potential bias from the commission, members of the department, or the Town Council. The application process closed on October 7^th.

The HR department then began the work of calling references, verifying job and education history, and even contacting applicants to clarify issues on their application. Essentially doing all the things a private company’s HR department would do. They then sorted applicants into two tiers based on their skills and experience.

We met with them again on October 23^rd to discuss the qualifications of all candidates. They submitted to us their recommended top tier of candidates with explanations as to their reasons why. The commission agreed with their assessment. We then set a date and times to interview the top tier candidates. An outside agency with no known ties to these candidates was found to perform background checks. With the guidance of the HR representatives work also began on compiling a list of professional and appropriate interview questions.

On November 22^nd the police commission and the HR representatives conducted interviews for all the top tier candidates. Each commissioner was given a score sheet to record how they felt each candidate answered the questions and generally performed during the interview. Those score sheets have been collected and tallied by HR to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Once we receive the results of the background checks we will meet again to go over the interview scores, the background information, deliberate and select the best possible candidate to be Mooresville’s next Police Chief. Candidates are being vetted thoroughly and as impartially as possible. We have maintained the integrity of the process throughout. It should be self-evident to most that hiring for a position as important as Police Chief should be based on ability, experience, and character rather than any political agenda.

I believe this is the most fair, open, and unbiased process Mooresville has ever used to select any department head. Having been involved in this process it is my hope Mooresville continues to use a process like this for hiring all department heads going forward. It keeps us in compliance with State and Federal hiring regulations. It ensures unbiased results. It has aided us greatly in finding the most qualified candidate which is what’s best for the Mooresville Police Department and the people of Mooresville.

_{*Please note that I do not speak on behalf of the entire commission. I am but one member of three. It is in the interest of transparency and openness with the public that I present this information regarding the process we chose to select the next Mooresville Police Chief.}

~ By Danny Lundy | Column | Published December 4, 2019 in The Mooresville Times