A nationwide search is underway for Portland’s next police chief.
Related: Portland Mayor Says Public Will Vet Police Chief Candidates
Current police chief Mike Marshman was appointed by former Mayor Charlie Hales when previous Chief Larry O’Dea retired after accidentally shooting his friend last year.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler spoke on OPB's "Think Out Loud" on Monday about his campaign promise to launch a nationwide search for a new chief.
“I want to make sure we have a police chief who’s committed to the reforms that I put out there, that I ran on," Wheeler said. "I want to make sure that they’re working with me to go back to a full community policing model, that they’re with me when it comes to recruiting diversity in the ranks."
The city has launched an online survey to gather input on what community members want to see in the next police chief.
Wheeler said he’s heard from immigrants and communities of color who would like to see more diversity in the highest-ranking positions of Portland’s police force.
The mayor also said he’s committed to returning to a full community-policing model, which means officers act as familiar, helpful resources in the communities they serve.
A recent survey by the Portland Police Association found more than 90 percent of officers want Marshman to stay. Wheeler said this will be another factor that guides the hiring process.
“The police chief really has to be somebody who’s unique, who can command that respect internally, but also work with the community," Wheeler said. "I think a big part of that is a demonstrated capacity to communicate well, to be in the community, to share what’s working and be frank about what isn’t working."