MEMPHIS, Tenn. — We are one step closer to having a new director of the Memphis Police Department. But the toughest part of the process is just beginning. Seven candidates have emerged as finalists to replace retiring director Michael Rallings. And on paper, all seven appear to be qualified and capable of running the largest municipal police force in the Mid-South.
There are several encouraging things about the selection process up to now and going forward. For one thing, the list of finalists has good racial, gender, and geographic diversity. Three of the candidates are current members of the MPD. One is a former Memphis police officer and the remaining three come from departments around the country.
It’s also gratifying that members of the community will be part of the interviewing process. And their feedback deserves strong consideration by Mayor Jim Strickland – who will make the appointment – pending confirmation by the city council.
I also think it’s important to give outside candidates an equal shot at getting the position. Every director hired since 1976 has come up through the MPD ranks. That’s been both good and bad in a lot of ways. We’ve had innovative directors who were good leaders and communicators. But we’ve also had a few duds.
My point is, let’s not immediately dismiss an outside approach to 21st Century policing. Either way, it’s great that this critical decision is moving along orderly. And that’s my point of view.
