Selection Process Closed To Public

The city of Coeur d’Alene is keeping the public out of its decision to hire a new police chief.

The city formed an interview panel made up of the mayor, city staff members, the City Council and other officials to question three finalists for police chief.

Another panel of observers included a mix of human resources staff, City Council members, law enforcement officers and representatives from the hospital, downtown association and schools, Mayor Steve Judy said.

“We are a public entity but our interview process is not a public process,” Judy said. “In the few interviews we’ve done, this is the process we have used.”

Keeping the interview panel secret protects the city, Judy said.

“In today’s world, if one of the panelists makes a comment … and that person doesn’t get a job, that candidate could sue,” he said. “It protects both the individual and the city from liability.”

Pam MacDonald, human resources director, also refused to release the resumes.

“We would not give out resumes. Those are confidential,” she said.

However, all three candidates - Thomas Cronin of Chicago, Garold Spencer of Oklahoma City and Robert Gross of Kennewick - willingly provided copies of their resumes when asked.

Judy said the resumes were withheld on the advice of city staff.

“We have to try to respect the rights of people,” Judy said. “Some didn’t want their photos taken. Some didn’t want their names released. But we told them (that) to interview, we would require them to do that.”

Councilman Ron Edinger said releasing the candidates’ names and places of work should be sufficient.

“I think when the decision is made, the public will know what the decision is and the city will probably give background information on the individual,” Edinger said.

The former Coeur d’Alene mayor said he considered the interview panel and observers - who will give comments to the selection committee - members of the public.

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