February 17, 2012 in City

Kirkpatrick a finalist for Phoenix top cop job

Meghann M. Cuniff The Spokesman-Review

File photo

Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick talks in January 2011 about her department’s response to the backpack bomb found on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity March route in downtown Spokane.
(Full-size photo)

Former Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick is a finalist for police chief in Phoenix, Ariz.

Kirkpatrick left Spokane in early January after having served as police chief since Sept. 11, 2006. She called her departure a retirement but said she was open to other options.

By that time she had already applied for the Phoenix job - applications were due in mid-December, according to Arizona media reports.

Read the rest of this story on the Sirens & Gavels blog.

44 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

The_Seer on February 17 at 11:46 a.m.
Several posters from this site have already visited the Arizona Republic’s website to inform Phoenix residents about Kirkpatrick’s tenure in Spokane.
In addition, it appears Kirkpatrick’s name appears as a finalist thanks to Affirmative Action programs in that she is the only female candidate remaining.
Charlie on February 17 at 11:48 a.m.
Didn’t we read not to long ago the she wanted to spend more time with her family. Short stay!
skime on February 17 at 12:00 p.m.
Here is hoping that Phoenix does not have the same “Bad cop protecting” police guild that Spokane has. No chief of police has a chance in Spokane.
brianrbreen on February 17 at 12:06 p.m.
Kirkpatrick, Chertok, and Mangan all came from smaller departments and most would say using the SPD as a stepping-stone. Because they came from smaller Departments their experience level in dealing with issues associated with a problematic PD Culture were limited, and in at least one case there are those that would suggest that some of the problems within the SPD stem from an attitude perpetuated by the leader as an “us against them attitude”, despite that individuals ability to present well in the press and with the politicians.
There are a number of things to consider when picking a new Chief, first and foremost…why…is it a matter of fulfilling ones dream to be the right leader, and make chicken salad out of the other stuff…is it an ego thing…sure it is an ego thing…but if you win you win big and for the rest of your life you know what you accomplished.
Scott Stephens may be a nice guy, and is perhaps exactly what the Police Guild would like to have for an SPD leader. I’m sure what Mayor Condon understands is that in order for him make the next step he has to realize that it is a big issue and all the relationships Interim Chief Stevens has had over the years with other officers in trouble will likely come to light. The issue would be whether Stephens is able to put those relationships aside and be a leader. All egos aside perhaps Scott Stevens will realize that in the interest of the SPD…it may be in the best interest of the SPD to bring someone in from out side. Not someone looking to bounce from here, but someone willing to take on the BS, who has the experience to do so.
One thing people don’t understand is that when Roger Bragdon was Chief of Police there was a big issue regarding his not having a degree and as it turned out that was a big issue, and Mayor Hession tried to make it a bigger issue (far more than that) I’m not defending Roger Bragdon, as some people will understand as will he. So Kirkpatrick was hired.
Scott Stevens does not have a degree; apparently he is working toward it…online. The point is if you want a real change we need someone from a larger department who has the experience to deal with the issue, someone that has rolled in the dirt, fought the BS and is willing to make this home, without worrying about relationships or how those relationships might end up.
The best thing for Scott Stevens to say is; I’m willing to help find someone, someone other than me who is willing to take on, The Prosecutors Office, City Hall, the Police Guild, and anyone else that gets in my way to accomplish respectability.
I’m open try me on!
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 17 at 12:12 p.m.
http://phoenix-on.us/2012/02/16/phoenix-has-seven-candidates-for-police-chief/#comment-3898
it is possible to easily get an account and post your comments on the Phoenix news paper that the link above takes you to…. a couple of us have already…. The Chief should not be hired, even as a beat cop…. no respect for her at all….. john
brianrbreen on February 17 at 12:47 p.m.
I’m not worried about Anne Kirkpatrick getting this job. Unless I’m wrong she is the only female among the finalists. What I am worried about however is what I understand is her desire to get the directorship of the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission which is currently filled by an interim director. A job a lot closer to her west coast condo, and putting her in a position to have at least a little influence on law enforcement in the Northwest, while at the same time perhaps rehabilitating a less than stellar career as a Chief in some small and medium sized jurisdictions.
I’m sure the Phoenix folks have some people they can reach out to get the inside scoop on the candidates. It boils down to, doing the research, sending people out to talk to everyone, really doing a great background and deciding if the person is right for the community. I think there may even be some Ex-Arizona cops and other people who have worked there that might be reached out to, who knows.
Sure do like John Olsen did and let them know, but by the same token keep a watchful eye.
Shelala on February 17 at 12:56 p.m.
Why don’t we let them all lateral transfer to Phoenix including Stephens? Condon and Stephens have already shown the public in record time that it will be business as usual and only the faces have changed - or will change. I wouldn’t worry too much about educational requirements because they both have PHDs in double talk and BS.
Bill_Jackman on February 17 at 12:58 p.m.
I’m not the least bit concerned that she would get the job in Phoenix. I’d suspect that Phoenix has somebody in mind to be the new chief. Surround that inside favorite with the likes of Kirkpatrick and even a ham sandwich could get promoted!
brianrbreen on February 17 at 1:04 p.m.
@michaelm
I realize the importance (perhaps more than others) of maintaining digital dexterity. But let it go I can handle myself…as you know.
Shelala on February 17 at 1:05 p.m.
@t.gojackman
Don’t know about that. we elected Condon and look what we got. We didn’t realize he was a ham sandwich and Stephans was turkey on Rye.
reservedparking on February 17 at 2:12 p.m.
Peter Principle personified: Anne Kirkpatrick.
zelda on February 17 at 2:19 p.m.
She may spend the rest of her working years being the applicant who fulfills the requirement for “a diverse pool of qualified candidates.” It’s quite a stretch going from Spokane to a city the size of Phoenix. I’m thinking she’s doing this to maintain visibility and network with the hiring team.
Hey, isn’t there an opening for the police chief in Davenport, WA?
@brianbreen — I think you’re looking for someone along the lines of St. Francis of Asissi. A saint instead of a real, live cop. You said, “…we need someone from a larger department who has the experience to deal with the issue, someone that has rolled in the dirt, fought the BS and is willing to make this home, without worrying about relationships or how those relationships might end up.” Don’t we already have that with Steve Tucker?
Which raises the question of whether it’s possible to have a police chief with both political ambition and ethics. Mutually exclusive, maybe.
brianrbreen on February 17 at 2:20 p.m.
@ Shelala
One of the things you have to understand is that transparency and accountability is not limited to political affiliation… no matter who is in charge and what their political affiliation is they want to put themselves in the best light, so you just take it from there.
Now because I still have a little bit of a memory left I remember when Dennis Hession was Mayor and was trying to figure out what to do with the Zehm case and the Ross case he decided to let the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs review it, which they did to a certain extent. Someone…I don’t know who… put a bug in the SR’s ear and they brought forward the fact that the director of WASPC had recently been let go as the Chief of Police in Boise Idaho under some real questionable circumstances.
Well after that then Mayor Hession decided it would be best to hire a consultant along with the WASPC review, and the consultant found a number of things wrong, but did not address the Zehm case because the criminal charges were still pending. It would be good for everyone to review “The Worley Report”.
Now I honestly believe that every member of the “Commission” that Ex-Mayor Verner started and Mayor Condon has signed on to is well meaning. However from my perspective I do not want them to interview any of the individuals involved in the Zehm case, including Scott Stephens who was at the time in charge of the investigation of the Zehm case, I happen to know that is too late.
I am also concerned by the fact that Howard Delaney provided Dr. Martin with WASPC as a resource for the Commission even though as far as I know Don Pierce is still the executive director, and their focus is entirely pro-law enforcement. The SR’s Boise person would be able to fill in the details.
We may have a case of, forgive and forget, who knows, but I’m kind of getting tired of folks trying to play the game.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_breakingnews_pf.asp?ID=7098
brianrbreen on February 17 at 2:43 p.m.
@Zelda
How about someone who cares about their own integrity. I remember sitting in a meeting once with a Chief of Police, Inspector of police, a Mayor, Council Members and “Pillars of the Community who wanted the SPD to ignore a very big criminal investigation. The Chief could see how hot I was, and where it might go, so he said, and I quote because I remember. “You are all full of sh#t, but if that is what you want fine”.
On the way out he says to me…just do it if there is heat I’ll take it.
MrNatural on February 17 at 3:16 p.m.
All the best Chief…you survived Spokane…home of the curmudgeonly condescending malcontent
brianrbreen on February 17 at 3:47 p.m.
curmudgeonly condescending malcontent
And your point is? :)
Otto_Pilot on February 17 at 4:07 p.m.
Can you say “snowball’s chance in hell?”
I knew you could.
MrNatural on February 17 at 4:07 p.m.
…oh I guess I was having a moment of empathy toward Ms. K for what I consider a thankless task…and when you sit back and absorb these message boards you wonder if anything that happens in Spokane can be appreciated by all…
still…do you know of any other town with more curmudgeonly condescending malcontents?
brianrbreen on February 17 at 4:07 p.m.
It is all relative and depends on ones station in life…right?
City layoff list puts 120 workers at risk
MrNatural on September 22 at 9:10 a.m.
Once again I am underwhelmed by people’s compassion for their fellow man. Never mind that these employees have families and mortgages, never mind that their thankless occupations are constantly slandered by condescending malcontents while they serve the public. Go ahead and revel in someone else’s misery if that gets you off…One would think that if you have been impacted by layoffs that you would at least be sympathetic.
Ask the next small business if they can afford the security or fire suppression without police and fire. Ask them if they can deal with dishonest competition without balance from the regulations they asked for to provide fairness. Let the small business man afford the necessary infrastructure.
Last I recall it was this same fickle citizenry that elects the officials and determines that “There ought to be a law” and creates the government that exists…
I do accept the need for payroll reductions on government employees in this difficult economic time but I cannot accept the vitriol and insult toward these people, neighbors, and friends.
Shelala on February 17 at 4:15 p.m.
Let’s face it. it wouldn’t be possible to successfully promote anyone within the SPD as Chief given the mistrust and damaged view the public has towards the department. Stephens may have thrown his hat in the ring, but it is destined to lie there untouched. IMO, it is far to easy to become insulated and detached from public scrutiny when searching for a new Chief if the leaders who will select this person surround themselves with only like minded individuals who have similar agendas. If they truly were committed to transparency and accountability, perhaps the committees would be filled with Spokane citizens from diverse neighborhoods, backgrounds and who actually represent the portion of the population that a poorly run department will effect the most. I wonder what the committee’s recomendations would include if the neighbor, relative, or co- worker of anyone who was effected by an act of police brutality were allowed a voice.
Mr_Injustice on February 17 at 4:16 p.m.
GO Chief K!!! I think we should be helping her get this job. It might take some of the heat off of Spokane when she F###’s up Phoenix.
MrNatural on February 17 at 4:18 p.m.
Wow!…now I’m speechless…I has met the enemy and he is me
Mr_Injustice on February 17 at 4:19 p.m.
I think there is a loud minority group in Spokane that has so many issues with the Police Dept. The silent majority appreciates what they do. I’m part of that Majority.
There is nothing this Police Dept can do to make that loud group happy. I say ignore them, them defame them, and then make them look crazy. Drive them back to their MJ pipes in Browns Addition.
Have fun smoking your enlightenment, Lunatics!
Shadedmuse on February 17 at 4:52 p.m.
I’m glad Phnx is replacing that crazey joe guy
brianrbreen on February 17 at 4:53 p.m.
“ I say ignore them, them defame them, and then make them look crazy”
Good idea lets do it!!!!
avocet on February 17 at 5:05 p.m.
Shadedmuse: Joe Arpaio is the Maricopa County sheriff, not Phoenix police chief.
brianrbreen on February 17 at 5:09 p.m.
@MrNatural
“curmudgeonly”
Accurate perhaps… but insensitive.
BlueHealer on February 17 at 5:20 p.m.
@Mr.Injustice: ” I say ignore them, them defame them, and then make them look crazy”.
I think they do a fine job of that on their own.
generallyspeaking on February 17 at 5:24 p.m.
Oh god…..here we go again…..let the BrianBreen soap box begin……The SR needs to just give him his own blog…….
brianrbreen on February 17 at 5:27 p.m.
Actually we are in negotiations… the hang up is Apple or PC.
brianrbreen on February 17 at 5:37 p.m.
@michaelm
It’s okay…honest.
misjustice on February 17 at 5:44 p.m.
I took Natch’s posts/repost (by Brian) to all be in the same vein; classic Natch! And Bard of the SR boards; until he got sick of the negative vibes, man, and stopped posting to these threads.
At any rate, as to the story? Phoenix could do worse than Annie.
brianrbreen on February 17 at 5:53 p.m.
@misjustice
You mean you don’t think “curmudgeonly” was insensitive. I can handle “condescending malcontents”…but curmudgeonly…please.
You are right Phoenix could do worse…but they won’t.
misjustice on February 17 at 5:57 p.m.
Nope.
Shelala on February 17 at 6:25 p.m.
…..then there’s those people who complain about the people who complain.
GaryP on February 17 at 6:31 p.m.
A Police Chief that hates cops and men, who is also arrogant and stupid……good luck to the Phoenix PD
westerly on February 17 at 7:13 p.m.
Gads,,,,she is leaving a small town Spokane, 200,000 pop to a big city 1.5 million people and a metro area of 4.5 million people! Makes Spookyhollow….tiny….and really off the maps!
generallyspeaking on February 17 at 7:14 p.m.
Let em have her…..she will end up costing em millions….
catfuzz on February 17 at 8:50 p.m.
Something just reeks here. She “retires” from SPD and suddenly is seeking other employment? Something is fishy here.
Bill_Jackman on February 18 at 8:48 a.m.
I would hope and trust that Phoenix does a complete background check on Ann Kirkpatrick. Her old mantra of “firing anyone who lies” just didn’t pass the straight face test in the Karl Thompson case. She was nothing more than a tool for the city administration. Her lack of backbone and character precludes any meaningful future in law enforcement.
The Mayor’s Office in Phoenix has already been contacted as some of us understand the value of holding people accountable.
I do admire the fact that she resigned from the SPD. She could have come clean about the Zehm case before she left town.
How’s that for being curmudgeonly?
Ron_the_Cop on February 18 at 11:39 a.m.
@Zelda,
I think you may be right re Kirkpatrick making the short lists to round them out for diversity sake. However my LE colleagues outside of Spokane say her selection is unlikely and if selected wouldn’t last a month down there.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 19 at 5:56 a.m.
Ron… thanks for the post…that is all the reassurance needed> best Gus
theone31 on February 20 at 8:42 a.m.
She’ll have a field day with that Arizona Sheriff and his gay Mexican lover, slave, whatever.
bobdawg509 on February 24 at 4:27 a.m.
What is this, a sick joke? Three years ago I moved to Phoenix partly to get away from Spokane police who were killing people at a pretty good clip and now the head gestapo woman wants to come down here??!!!
She better realize that Phoenix is a grown up city who doesn’t just let there police force kill its citizens at will with no retrobution, or does it??