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City of Akron in search of next police chief: Here's how to apply

The final day to submit an application and the required materials is Friday, April 23.

AKRON, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above originally aired on February 3, 2021.

The City of Akron is officially in search of a new police chief. 

On Monday, Mayor Dan Horrigan released the official job description. The news was published in marketing brochure that also included information on how to submit an application for those interested in the position and highlights about the greater Akron community.

The search comes just a month after Chief Ken Ball retired in February, after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.

The city has enlisted the help of a job search and consulting company, Ralph Anderson and Associates, to lead the search efforts for Chief Ball's replacement. In addition to helping to screen candidates, the company will also conduct surveys from both City of Akron employees and community members at large on what is important to them in the next Chief. 

To complete the community survey, click here.

“I’m looking forward to this next phase of our Police Chief Search, not only to see what type of quality leaders apply for the position, but also to gather and review feedback from both our employees and our citizens," said Mayor Horrigan. "This next Chief, like all our City employees, will be serving the citizens of Akron, so this portion of the search process is critical in informing our decisions on the right candidate for Akron," he explained. 

In its next Chief, The City of Akron is seeking the following in a candidate:

  • A minimum of ten years of command or management experience in law-enforcement with at least two years equivalent to Deputy Chief or above 
  • Graduation from a police leadership development program is desired, with a Bachelor's degree being preferred, and a Master's degree a plus

Additionally, the ideal candidate will:

  • Have demonstrated the ability to hold others accountable to values characterized by a commitment to integrity, honesty, transparency, humility, proactivity, innovation, equity, compassion, service excellence, and responsive leadership;
  • Have extensive knowledge of complex urban environments and a demonstrated commitment to equitably serving, recruiting minority candidates, and working with all spectrums of multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and socioeconomically diverse communities;
  • Exhibit outstanding communication skills; be hands-on, open, and receptive to working with people to create and sustain an environment of trust and respect;  Possess the ability to be politically and technologically savvy, and have the ability to receive constructive criticism;
  • Demonstrate the ability to make decisions based on facts and merit;  Display a demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing and problem solving, staff development, and morale building to set a positive tone within the Department;
  • Possess a passion for public service and public safety as well as positive futures for all Akron residents; and
  • Exhibit exceptional leadership and people skills; the ability to work with and establish relationships with a wide range of stakeholder groups, strategic partners, elected officials, colleagues, and the media.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete all Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy certification requirements within the first year of employment. Although not required, it is highly desired that upon hire, the new Chief of Police reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron.

Interested candidates may apply by sending their resume, cover letter, salary history, and six professional references to Ralph Andersen & Associates via apply@ralphandersen.com. 

The final day to submit an application and the required materials is Friday, April 23.

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