Norman Roberts & Associates Recruitment Profile for Chief of Police
December 1997

Home

Bibliography

Calendar

Columns
Dorothy Brizill
Bonnie Cain
Jim Dougherty
Gary Imhoff
Phil Mendelson
Mark David Richards
Sandra Seegars

DCPSWatch

DCWatch Archives
Council Period 12
Council Period 13
Council Period 14
Election 1998
Election 2000
Election 2002

Elections
Election 2004
Election 2006

Government and People
ANC's
Anacostia Waterfront Corporation
Auditor
Boards and Com
BusRegRefCom
Campaign Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Management Officer
City Council
Congress
Control Board
Corporation Counsel
Courts
DC2000
DC Agenda
Elections and Ethics
Fire Department
FOI Officers
Inspector General
Health
Housing and Community Dev.
Human Services
Legislation
Mayor's Office
Mental Health
Motor Vehicles
Neighborhood Action
National Capital Revitalization Corp.
Planning and Econ. Dev.
Planning, Office of
Police Department
Property Management
Public Advocate
Public Libraries
Public Schools
Public Service Commission
Public Works
Regional Mobility Panel
Sports and Entertainment Com.
Taxi Commission
Telephone Directory
University of DC
Water and Sewer Administration
Youth Rehabilitation Services
Zoning Commission

Issues in DC Politics

Budget issues
DC Flag
DC General, PBC
Gun issues
Health issues
Housing initiatives
Mayor’s mansion
Public Benefit Corporation
Regional Mobility
Reservation 13
Tax Rev Comm
Term limits repeal
Voting rights, statehood
Williams’s Fundraising Scandals

Links

Organizations
Appleseed Center
Cardozo Shaw Neigh.Assoc.
Committee of 100
Fed of Citizens Assocs
League of Women Voters
Parents United
Shaw Coalition

Photos

Search

What Is DCWatch?

themail archives

DRAFT

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CHIEF OF POLICE

Send resumes or nominations by January 16, 1998 to:
Norman C. Roberts, President

NORMAN ROBERTS 7 ASSOCIATES, INC.
1800 Century Park East, Suite 430
Los Angeles, CA 90067-1507
Telephone: (310) 552-1112
Facsimile: (310) 552-1113
E-mail: NRAssoc@aol.com

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age or national origin.

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

1. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

• Washington DC, with a population of approximately 600,000, attracts more than 20 million visitors each year. According to the 1990 census, Washington DC's population is 65.9 percent African American, 29.6 percent White and 45 percent Other (5.4 percent were Latin -- a category that includes various races).
• Not only is Washington DC the capital of the United States and the seat of the federal government, but it is also a major showcase for the nation's cultural achievements, the information center of the world, and a pivot of global politics. History and heritage, art and politics, cuisine and culture combine to make this a vital and beautiful city -- a fitting capital for a great nation.
• The District is separated from Virginia on the southwest by the Potomac River. On the northwest, northeast and southeast it is bordered by Maryland. A second major river, the Anacostia, flows through the southeastern part of the City where it joins the Potomac to eventually empty into Chesapeake Bay.
• Washington DC is one of the world's few planned cities. Its design, created by Pierre L'Enfant, is a major work of art. The basic design is geometrically and geographically precise. It centers on the Washington Monument, with the Capitol due east of the monument. Along with the White House, these three buildings form the Federal Triangle. The Mall, a grassy expanse of park lined on either side by Smithsonian Institution buildings, extends from the Capitol to the monument. Nearby are the Lincoln Memorial, the House of Representatives and Senate office buildings, Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. At the east end of the City is RFK Stadium and at the west end, across Memorial Bridge in Virginia, is Arlington National Cemetery. The new MCI Center (sports arena) will be opening in December 1997. Other attractions include the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the historic neighborhoods of Georgetown and Adams Morgan, and the National Zoo.
• The District Diamond is encircled by the 67 mile-long Capital Beltway, running through Maryland and Virginia. Around the superhighway cluster major suburban shopping centers. Dulles International and Washington National airports are outside the District (both in Virginia) and Baltimore Washington International is in Maryland (however, National is only 10 minutes from the District). The surrounding countryside is rich farmland. On the northern and western sides the land is checkered with fruit orchards before it climbs gently through "horse-country" estates up into the thick woods of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To the east and south, cornfields run into wooded marshlands penetrated by river inlets.
• Washington DC's population is by far the most educated in the United States, with twice as many college-educated adults as the national average. A large proportion also have graduate degrees. The District has 18 institutions of higher learning, including Georgetown, George Washington, American, Howard and Catholic universities, Gallaudet University for the Deaf, and the public University of the District of Columbia. Outside the District, within the metropolitan area, are the University of Maryland's main campus and the northern campus of the University of Virginia, as well as several private and community colleges. Other major institutions, such as the Johns Hopkins Graduate School of International Studies, maintain special learning centers in the City.
• The libraries and databases collected and produced in Washington DC by government and special-interest groups constitute the largest collection of information in the world. The City has so many museums and art galleries that most residents have never even seen them all. Most foreign governments have showcase embassies in Washington DC, many located on Embassy Row along Massachusetts Avenue.
• The health industry, which includes one of the world's major medical-research communities, employs a large proportion of the workers in the area. Additionally, the nation's largest percentage of lawyers per capita practice in the metropolis.
• The District Home Rule Charter, passed by Congress in 1973, provides for an elected Mayor and a 13-member Council. It gives Congress the authority, however, to veto any legislation. It also gives the President of the United States power to appoint local judges, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia jurisdiction over local criminal cases, and Congress and the National Capital Planning Committee control over the height of buildings. It provides for a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives.
• In 1995, the Nation's Capital faced a crisis of financial insolvency. Against this backdrop, Congress passed the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act. This legislation was designed not only to return the District of Columbia to fiscal solvency, but to foster a more effective management. The new law created the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. There are also two independent and powerful officials who are not under political control: a Chief Financial Officer and an Inspector General.

Back to top of page

II. THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT (MPD)

• In December 1996, the D.C. Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOW) with the Mayor, the District of Columbia Council, Chief of Police, United States Attorney, District of Columbia Corporation Counsel, and the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to improve the operation and performance of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The group became known as the MOU Partners.
• The mission of the MPD, as stated in the Charter for the Office of the Chief of Police, is to eliminate crime, fear of crime and general disorder, while establishing respect and trust within the community.
• The Charter of the MPD will be accomplished in partnership with the community, other appropriate government agencies, and in accordance with constitutional values and applicable laws. The Chief of Police is responsible for establishing professional standards that maintain a higher level of integrity and ethical conduct than is generally accepted of others, and is responsible ant accountable for all activities involving the MPD. All operations of the Department, including planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, directing, reporting and budgeting of the Department and related community resources will be oriented towards serving the needs of a diverse community, as well as the Federal interests associated with Washington's unique role as the nation's capital.
• The Department is currently organized into five service bureaus (see attached organization chart):
  • Patrol Services -- delivers police service to the District through a network of seven geographically based police districts (note: approximately 90 percent of the force is in this bureau);
  • Support Services - includes special operations, criminal investigations, and youth and family services;
  • Technical Services - provides information management, communication, fleet management and property management (including police related identification and records, and handling of evidence and other impounded property);
  • Human Resources - manages personnel and labor relations, medical services and court liaison services; and
  • Volunteer Services - manages the Department's 165 member civilian reserve corps.

The Chief of Police also oversees the Offices of the General Counsel, Finance and Budget, Professional Responsibility, Public Information, and Planning and Development; as well as the Homicide Division.

• Projected 1997 offense and arrest statistics for the District are as follows:

• The gross homicide arrest ratio is projected to be 52 6 percent for 1997.
• The goal of the MPD is to provide law enforcement and other police services to people living, working and visiting in the District of Columbia, and to improve the quality of life in the City. Federal funds are awarded to increase police presence, to expand and improve cooperative efforts between law enforcement agencies and members of the community, to address crime and disorder, and to otherwise enhance public safety. Of the eight grants awarded to the MPD, three major programs include:
  • Local Law Enforcement Block Grant -- provides funding for a wide range of law enforcement initiatives, including police hiring and crime prevention programming. The assistance allows the Department to renovate the central cell lock and purchase vehicles, computer technology, uniforms and communication equipment.
  • Boating Safety -- funds aid the Department in operating boating safety education, assistance and enforcement activities.
  • Weed & Seed -- a program of drug interdiction for the eradication (Weed) and prevention (Seed) in a number of Police Districts.
• MPD's technology and infrastructure are improving. Investments in automated prisoner and complaint processing, facilities and remote arraignment are moving the Department toward conforming with modern law-enforcement standards. Implementation of the technology plan will increase patrol time in the street using fewer officers; expand services; eliminate waste; and reduce overtime. Case processing time will also be reduced, allowing additional officers to be placed on the street. The Department estimates that the plan can be fully implemented within two years of receipt of funding, and the payback period is estimated at less than two years.
• MPD, in addition to the duties common to a big city police force, must maintain a special capacity to respond to major events; provide services at demonstrations; and provide security for the President, Vice President and for U.S. and foreign government officials and dignitaries.
• MPD must also coordinate efforts with 23 other law enforcement agencies operating within the City, including: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Immigration and Naturalization Service; Metro Rail Transit Police; U.S. Capitol Police; U.S. Customs Service; and U.S. Secret Service, among others. In addition, it is important to coordinate with other local police departments who share boundaries with the District.
• The proposed total budget from all funding sources for FY1998 is $277 million. The budget also calls for 3,815 uniformed police officers and 722 civilians, for a total of 4,537 continuing full-time FTEs.
• In December 1996, the DC Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority retained the management consulting firm of Booz-Allen and Hamilton to conduct a comprehensive study of the MPD's organization and operations. The first phase was intended to identify specific opportunities for improvement with short-and long-term impacts. During phase II, a detailed plan was developed to actualize these recommended improvements, resulting in a new police operating model. During the final phase, Booz-Allen and Hamilton will continue to assist the Department in implementing the recommended actions, and providing the foundations for continued change.

Back to top of page

III. ISSUES/CHALLENGES FACING THE CHIEF OF POLICE

• Implementation of the Booz-Allen and Hamilton recommendations.
• Crime prevention.Increasing the homicide closure rate.
• Increasing community policing and continuing to focus on getting officers out of the stations and on the streets, pursuant to the Enhanced Enforcement Effort (this includes recruiting more civilians to perform clerical and administrative duties).
• Building relationships between the MPD and the community -- improving public relations.
• Implementation of new technology and infrastructure improvements.
• Obtaining funding.

Back to top of page

IV. THE POSITION OF CHIEF OF POLICE

• The Chief of Police serves as the chief executive officer of the Department. He/She will be appointed by the Mayor, with input from the MOU Partners, and is subject to approval by the D.C. Council.
• Examples of duties include:
  • Enforce and comply with established federal and local public safety ordinances, rules and regulations;
  • Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies, as necessary;
  • Meet with judges and prosecutors concerning application and interpretation of new laws;
  • Review and evaluate current operational and administrative policies and procedures, develop new policies and procedures, and make changes when necessary;
  • Make judgment decisions according to rules and regulations;
  • Plan and carry out Departmental goals and objectives;
  • Confer with Departmental personnel to discuss and resolve operational and administrative problems;
  • Review and evaluate current and new academic and hands-on-training methods of police recruits;
  • Coordinate activities with other District departments;
  • Direct the preparation of the Department's annual budget;
  • Review and approve Departmental expenditures;
  • Serve on boards and committees;
  • Participate in collective bargaining negotiations with the police union;
  • Direct studies of the District's public safety needs;
  • Discuss staffing needs with unit supervisors;
  • Make presentations to the Mayor and Council, the Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority, the MOU Partners and others;
  • Be responsible for the conduct of the police officers and the public image of the Department;
  • Review results of investigations concerning alleged misconduct and accident reports;
  • Review grievances filed by police officers and make recommendations;
  • Review and approve disposition of disciplinary hearings;
  • Supervise the selection and training of new police officers;
  • Enforce personnel rules and regulation standards of conduct and work attendance;
  • Assure compliance with safe working practices and procedures;
  • Assign, review and evaluate the work of assigned personnel; and
  • Perform related duties, as required.
• The position is open due to the resignation of the incumbent.

Back to top of page

V. THE CANDIDATE

• Education. Experience and Skills
  • Prefer a bachelor's degree, as well as advanced and supervisory P.O.S.T. certification. A master's degree in business, public administration or criminal justice is also desired.
  • It is anticipated that the selected candidate will have served as a Chief of Police and will have experience in a large, complex and highly urbanized area.
  • The selected candidate should have exceptional management, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Management Sty/e. Abilities and Personal Traits

The ideal candidate will be a strong, decisive leader who is accessible and open. In addition, he/she should have/be:

• A visionary;
• Someone who works from an agenda (does not "shoot from the hip");
• A good listener;
• Politically astute;
• Highly energetic;
• A team player;
• Technical expertise and exceptional presence;
• Credible;
• Adept at dealing with the media;
• Able to reach out to the community;
• A people person;
• Sensitive to diversity;
• Able to effectively deal with a unionized environment;
• Able to relate to issues in the District; and
• Able to develop good relations with various Federal agencies.

Back to top of page

V. MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for the position is open, depending upon the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. In addition, the selected candidate will be given full participation in the standard MPD benefits program (e.g., various types of leave; choice of health plans; life insurance; pension plan; etc.).

Note: The Chief of Police will be required to live in the District of Columbia.