(FOX40.COM) \u2014 Sacramento plans to hire a new police chief in the next few months, and the city is asking for your input.<\/p>\n
After four years in the role, former Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester announced her retirement<\/a> in April. Zachary Bales was sworn in as interim chief<\/a> in May while the city searches for a permanent replacement.<\/p>\n The city is using Ralph Andersen & Associates, a recruiting firm, to conduct a national search for a new leader for the Sacramento Police Department. According to a news release, the firm seeks an “experienced, collaborative leader who can advance public safety, support department employees and strengthen community trust.”<\/p>\n In addition, the city is seeking feedback from the public on what traits people are looking for in a new police chief.<\/p>\n City Manager Maraskeshia Smith announced the survey<\/a> Thursday and encouraged Sacramento residents to complete it by Nov. 5. Smith, nearing the end of her first year on the job, called the selection one of the most important decisions she will make in the position.<\/p>\n “I want our community to have a voice in that process,” Smith said in a statement. “We want to hear directly from residents and businesses about their public safety priorities, their expectations for the police department and the leadership qualities they believe are essential for Sacramento’s next chief.”<\/p>\n In addition to English, the survey is also available in Spanish<\/a>, Hmong<\/a>, Simplified Chinese<\/a> and Traditional Chinese<\/a>.<\/p>\n