Palm Springs seeks public input on next police chief
City officials say a new survey will help identify the leadership qualities residents want in a successor to retiring Police Chief Andy Mills.
With Palm Springs Police Chief Mills set to retire Sept. 5, the city has launched a community survey asking residents and business owners what qualities they want to see in his successor.
Mills’ departure will end nearly five years leading the Palm Springs Police Department and a 13-year career as a police chief. Palm Springs hired him in November 2021 after he served about four years as police chief in Santa Cruz and, before that, four years as chief in Eureka.
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The city said the survey will help guide its internal recruitment process by identifying the leadership qualities, values and priorities that matter most to residents and other stakeholders.
In a news release issued last week, City Manager Scott Stiles said Palm Springs is committed to a transparent selection process.
“The City of Palm Springs is committed to a thoughtful, transparent selection process that identifies the right leader to serve our residents, support our organization, and help shape the future of public safety in our community,” Stiles said.
“I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their input on the leadership qualities they would like to see in our next Chief of Police,” he added. “Our community’s voice is an essential part of this process because the people of Palm Springs are at the heart of everything we do.”
The anonymous survey takes about eight to 10 minutes to complete. Community members have until Friday, Aug. 14, to take the survey at this website.
In announcing his retirement earlier this month, Mills said the department is prepared for new leadership.
“The department is ready to move forward with the mission,” he wrote. “They are committed to supporting and serving a wonderful community that cares about people, supports one another and wants great public safety. The team is 100% ready.”
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