HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – The City of Harrisonburg has officially posted the recruitment listing for its open chief of police position, and community member input is needed prior to candidate interviews taking place later this year.

According to a release, Harrisonburg Police Department staff members have already provided feedback on what they would like to see in the department’s next chief through 10 listening sessions and two staff surveys, with that information used to create a recruitment brochure and description of what traits a successful candidate would embody. Now, community members have the opportunity to detail what they would like to see considered when the city interviews candidates for the position.

An anonymous survey, available online and open until November 12 at Police Chief Recruitment – Community Engagement Survey, allows community members to: identify the most important traits for the next chief; identify the most important items the next chief should focus on; provide advice for the future chief; explain ways the next chief can build trust between the community and department; and describe community issues HPD should work to address in the future.

“HPD’s chief of police is not only an important position on our team but should be someone who is committed to becoming a leader in our community, someone who is invested in improving the future of The Friendly City,” Harrisonburg City Manager Ande Banks said. “We are grateful for our community members who will help make sure this police chief search is a success, and we are excited to identify the person who will help our department continue to move forward.”