PHOENIX - Phoenix residents get their only chance to question the three finalists for Phoenix police chief at a community forum Monday evening.
The forum runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Phoenix City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St. After the forum, residents can meet the candidates from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at an informal gathering at the City Hall atrium, 200 W. Washington St.
Police Chief Joe Yahner is retiring in October, after taking the top job 18 months ago following the firing of Chief Daniel Garcia.
Two of the finalists have deep connections to Phoenix, the third is an outsider:
Michael Kurtenbach, an assistant chief with Phoenix PD, is a 26-year veteran who currently oversees community relations, public affairs and training.
He has led the rollout of the Police Department's body cameras for officers.
Jeri Williams has been police chief of the 400-person department in Oxnard, Calif., northwest of Los Angeles, for the last five years.
Before Oxnard, Williams served 22 years with Phoenix PD, including a stint as an assistant chief.
Peter Newsham is assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. In his 26 years with the force, he has overseen criminal investigations, internal affairs, and patrol.
If you'd like to ask a question tonight, you need to submit it between 5 and 6 p.m. at the forum.
City Manager Ed Zuercher is expected to name the new chief next month.
