New Survey Asking Philadelphia Residents What Qualities They Want To See In Next Police Commissioner
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new survey is asking Philadelphia residents what qualities they want to see in the next police commissioner. Mayor Jim Kenney launched the questionnaire to gather feedback from the public.
By numerical ranking on the questionnaire, the Managing Director's Office is curious about the top five issues believed to be the most pressing for the next commissioner. The categories range from homicide to abuse, burglaries, homeland security, gun violence and underage drinking.
The survey also asks for a ranking of the top five qualities people would value most in the next commissioner with descriptions like approachable, interpersonal savvy, to organizational agility and political savvy.
Officials are conducting a national search to replace former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, who abruptly resigned last month, after he was named in a lawsuit where it was claimed he ignored sexual harassment and discrimination allegations.
Following Ross' resignation, Kenney named Christine Coulter as acting police commissioner.
Philadelphia Managing Director Brian Abernathy said they will use the public's feedback to develop questions in the interview process.
"We want to make sure the public knows their voices are being heard," Abernathy said. "We'll take this feedback, we'll understand what characteristics people find important, the issues they care about and we'll use that to develop questions in the interview process as we go forward."
Mustafa Rashed, the CEO of Bellevue Strategies, says the survey is unusual.
"I don't recall anything that's been done like this before, where you're asking the public to participate in what is usually the mayor's most important priority -- naming a police commissioner," Rashed explained.
The survey will be open for at least the next month and there's no deadline at the moment.
For those without computer access, there are hard copies at City Hall in the Office of Engagement.
Click here to participate in the survey.
CBS3's Joe Holden contributed to this report.
