Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Police chief candidates

The city has wrapped up interviews with the three candidates vying to become Spokane’s new police chief. The interviews, conducted by Joan Butler, chairwoman of the city’s police advisory committee, and Jonathan Mallahan, director of community and neighbor services, were open to the public and broadcast on Comcast Channel 5.

Daniel Mahoney went first: He’s commanding officer of the Ingleside Police Station within the San Francisco Police Department. Mahoney emphasized community trust and risk management. “I’m going to stay in Spokane as long as they want me here,” Mahoney said.

Staff reports The Spokesman-Review


Daniel Mahoney, a police chief finalist fields questions during on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, City Council chambers at City Hall in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo


The next interview was with George Markert, director of the Office of Public Integrity for Rochester, N.Y., and previously the executive deputy chief for the Rochester Police Department. Markert said Spokane and Rochester are similar in size and demographics. In response to a question of how he would deal with the mentally ill, Markert said Rochester has a mental illness response team of specially trained officers.

Staff reports The Spokesman-Review


George Markert, a candidate for Spokane Police Chief, answers questions during a televised interview, Wednesday, July 25, 2012 ,in the Spokane City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo


The last candidate interviewed was Frank G. Straub, director of public safety in Indianapolis and former commissioner of the city of White Plains, N.Y.’s Department of Public Safety. Straub emphasized community involvement: “I think you have to be in the churches, the synagogues and the mosques on a regular basis.”

Staff reports The Spokesman-Review


Frank Straub, a police chief finalist fields question on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in City Council chambers at City Hall in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo


Spokane Police Chief candidates, George Markert, Daniel Mahoney and Frank Straub, visit with Spokane Mayor David Condon, left, and police historian, Susan S. Walker, during a meet and greet, July 25, 2012, in City Hall’s Chase Gallery.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

Share on Social Media

Recently in Picture story