DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit's Board of Police Commissioners is set to interview three candidates Thursday to become the city's next chief of police.
As the process moves forward, though, not everyone on the board has been happy with the process thus far, as Commissioner Willie Burton says he has an issue with the search being conducted by TJ Adams and Associates, a staffing firm where former Detroit Police Commissioner Jessica Taylor works.
Burton tells WWJ he believes that's a conflict of interest.
"I don't think the search firm that she's affiliated with should be conducting the search. We as an independent body, according to the charter, should be able to take the lead on hiring a professional search firm for conducting the search," Burton said.
Taylor was a commissioner from 2011 until 2015, when she left her role. There was a similar controversy last year when the same firm was hired in the board's search for a new secretary.
Interviews will begin Thursday, with Interim Detroit Police Chief James White among the three candidates. White was appointed to take over as Detroit's top cop after longtime chief James Craig retired earlier this summer.
But in addition to concerns over the search firm, others feel the net is not being cast wide enough. Commissioner William Davis thinks the board should be interviewing at least four or five people for the job.
"I think we've wasted the public's money," Davis said. "How the heck have we submitted three names and we're only going to interview three people?"
While commissioners hold their concerns about the search, the rest of the process will be visible in the public eye, as the BOPC is reminding the public that the board's meetings are available on YouTube, through the city's Media Services division.
Commissioners have returned to in-person meetings, but they continue to meet behind closed doors as COVID-19 cases begin to increase again.
BOPC Chair Jim Holley says Thursday's meeting will be available for the public to watch.
"Until we really defeat COVID-19, these expanded options are important to give all residents and other stakeholders the best, risk-free opportunity to see and take part in every Board meeting, including this Thursday's community meeting with interviews of candidates for Chief of Police," said Holley.
"We know the interest is very high and hope to see hundreds of interested people on YouTube, Zoom, and other channels," he said.
The interviews for the permanent chief are the latest step in the city charter-mandated process that requires the board to conduct a national search and to select three finalists to submit to the mayor for his appointment. Mayor Mike Duggan's appointment will be subject to the approval of the Detroit City Council.
