City of South Lake Tahoe starts recruiting process for new police chief

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Former Police Chief Brian Uhler has been gone from the post in South Lake Tahoe since March, and since then the department's two lieutenants Dave Stevenson and Shannon Laney have been sharing the duties.

The City has now started the recruitment process for a new police chief.

“Public safety is a top priority in the City of South Lake Tahoe,” said City Manager Joe Irvin. “We want to make sure we hire the most qualified person who embodies the spirit of our City too.”

The recruitment process will be thorough including a panel interview with community members, a technical panel of law enforcement from the surrounding area and a town-hall where the public can provide questions. The virtual town hall will be held on July 23, 2020, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (link available closer to event). There is also an interview panel that includes local citizens.

“We want this process to be as transparent as possible,” said HR Manager Tom Stuart. “That’s why we are inviting the community and the public to join us in furthering this conversation and making the right decision.”

The City is asking the public for questions they'd like the candidates to be asked. These can be emailed to chiefquestions@cityofslt.us.

During the public town hall, the City said they won’t be able to get to all of the questions, but promised they will make sure all voices are heard.

“It is always important to include the community in these processes but especially during these times,” said Irvin. “Now is the time for the community to get involved, get our questions answered, and hire the best person for the job.”