The city of Paris is set to hire a new chief of police and seeks community input.
Grayson Path, Paris City Manager, said he has narrowed the list of candidates down to a group of finalists, which he is expected to announce by Friday, Jan. 15.
Path said it is the city manager’s duty to appoint a chief of police and present the appointment to city council for its consideration of approval. He said the chief of police is a high profile position, and he would like community input with the decision.
On Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., the city will conduct a virtual interview for the community to observe.
Due to COVID-19, the city has placed limitations on this event. Path said there will be no attendance while the city conducts the virtual interviews, other than himself, the finalists, a select group of support staff and a panel of community members to perform the interviews. Path said the panel was selected by seeking recommendations from council members, and since city staff is making final preparations with this panel, their identities will be made known closer to the date.
Following the interviews, Path said he will seek input on candidates from the community. A link will be announced that will give individuals the opportunity to provide Path with their thoughts after the event. To give input, participants will need to provide their name, address (residential or commercial), contact information and water bill account number to try and restrict input to the Paris community.
Path has asked those wishing to submit input to do so no later than 11:59:59 PM, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. He will then review all community input in combination with all other relevant factors and make a decision on a candidate to present to the city council at a future council meeting.
“Please stay tuned in to the City’s Facebook page as well as watch for future press releases for additional information, including how you can view the event virtually,” he said.
