The search for a permanent successor to Hollister Chief of
Police Bill Pierpoint has officially begun and spearheading the job
will be an official experienced with recruitment and familiar with
the workings of the police department.
The search for a permanent successor to Hollister Chief of Police Bill Pierpoint has officially begun and spearheading the job will be an official experienced with recruitment and familiar with the workings of the police department.
The City Council Monday hired interim City Manager Ed Kreins to find a replacement for Pierpoint, who has headed the HPD for the past five years. Pierpoint announced his retirement March 26.
Kreins, who spent 24 years in law enforcement, including 13 as a chief of police, will be paid $9,500 to conduct the search.
“I’m just looking for people with a good reputation for honesty and ethics,” Kreins said.
Until city officials hire a successor, a former police chief of Los Gatos, Larry Todd, will head the department. Kreins also led efforts to hire Todd.
According to Director of Management Services Clay Lee, the salary for the new chief will be between $92,600 and $112,600.
City officials expressed confidence in Kreins’ ability to recruit the new chief of police, and by hiring Kreins, the city will save money, Lee said. Executive search firms can cost between $15,000 and $24,000 for chief of police searches. The recently completed city manager search cost $25,000 in consultant fees.
Kreins said he will recruit throughout the state, including an advertising campaign directed toward other police departments. He said he will also contact several colleagues in other jurisdictions to ask whether they know of potential candidates.
Additionally, police officers from within the HPD can apply for the position, according to officials.
Dale Shaddox plans to take over for Kreins as city manager May 5, while the application deadline for the chief of police position is also early May. Therefore, Kreins’ work as city manager and as chief of police recruiter should not conflict, he said.
Kreins said he will perform “in-depth” background checks and screenings of applicants.
“It will be my intention to personally interview those candidates who seemingly best meet the needs of the city…” Kreins said in a statement.
He said potential candidates must have obtained a minimum rank of lieutenant and have a bachelor’s degree, although candidates with the ranks of captains or chiefs and holding a master’s degree are preferred.
From there, Kreins will narrow the field to three or four candidates for further review by Shaddox, with the potential for interviews by the Council.
“My job, really, is to present the best and most qualified candidates,” he said.
Kreins has extensive experience with recruitment and hiring of city personnel. Aside from several previous positions as an interim city manager, he has performed numerous investigations and job recruitments.
“I’ve recruited for every position there is within a city,” Kreins said, adding that as a former chief of police he participated in more than 100 panels to choose command positions.
Kreins has also become familiar with the HPD since he was hired in January. Upon request from other officials, Kreins has been performing a departmental review of the HPD.
“It was a concern expressed,” Kreins said. “They (officials) wanted someone with my background to take a look at the department.
“I know the problems and concerns of the Hollister Police Department,” Kreins said.
Before Pierpoint became chief of police, Camarino Sanchez served for four years, replacing Wayne Purves who had served for more than two decades.
Other Council business
In other business, the Council:
Approved changing the minimum age from 18 to 21 for sworn police department personnel. Interim City Manager Ed Kreins, who has more than two decades of experience in law enforcement, recommended the modification.
Since arriving in January, Kreins has been evaluating aspects of the HPD. According to a staff report, 21 is a common age requirement in jurisdictions throughout California. The minimum age for non-sworn personnel will remain at 18. Sworn classifications include chief, captain, sergeant and officer. The resolution takes effect immediately.
Approved a contract among three local agencies to perform a hydrogeologic study and comply with a state-ordered Administrative Civil Liabilities penalty for the 15-million gallon sewage spill in May. The Water Resource Association will analyze hydrogeologic conditions at the two wastewater treatment plants.
Adopted the Community Media Access Partnership’s 2002 Annual Report, which includes revenues of $273,500 and a net income of $23,100. CMAP operates four local cable channels, including a channel designated for Gavilan College.
Appointed Hollister’s Charles Scott to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. He replaces Dr. Calvin Turpin.
Proclaimed April as Alcohol Awareness Month. It is part of a wider national effort by the Department of Health and Human Services to reduce drug and alcohol abuse.
