The people of Dallas City finally got to meet the 7 finalists for the post of Chief of Police of the city according to an article published on December 16th from NBC 5 DFW. In it they say:

“In the 2017 hiring process, finalists were able to meet and greet residents and city leaders in person. This time, the COVID-19 pandemic faces the finalists along with Dallas crime, forcing the public forum to go virtual. ‘Hopefully the process that’s in place will give the community the opportunity to get to know those candidates better,’ said police union leader Sheldon Smith. Smith is Dallas Chapter President of the National Black Police Association. Union leaders had the chance to question the finalists Tuesday. Smith said officers are anxious for a new chief. ‘Not only do we need direction, we need clarity,’ Smith said. Two of the finalists come from outside Texas.”

         This, after a survey was administered asking Dallas residents what they’re looking for in their new police chief according to a Dallas Morning News article published on December 14th. In it they say:

“City officials are seeking the public’s help to prioritize topics to be covered during the Q&A session through an online survey in English and Spanish that closes at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The event will be broadcast on the city’s website, YouTube page and Spectrum Channel 16. The consulting firm that is helping to hire the city’s next police chief separately surveyed residents in November to see what they want in the next top cop. A report of the results was released earlier this month with more than 4,500 responses. In that survey, residents were asked if there was anything outside of the poll that Broadnax should consider when he picks the next police chief. More than 3,000 people responded.”

          As the race for a new Dallas Chief of Police draws to a close, the city is looking to get the public to weigh in on the choice.