Agenda Date: 03/10/2026
Subject:
Title
Police Chief Search Update
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Tracy Hooker, HR Director |
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Presentations: |
Lynn Johnson, Managing Partner, KRW Associates LLC |
PURPOSE:
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Doug Stephens was appointed as Chief of Police to the City of Littleton on May 20, 2013. After nearly thirteen years of service, he has announced his retirement effective April 3, 2026.
Given the importance and relatively high profile of this executive recruitment, the city will be partnering with an executive recruitment firm to optimize the quality of the search and hiring process. This is a standard practice among professionalized Colorado cities.
Advantages of using a search firm:
• Facilitation of internal and external focus groups by a neutral party
• Expertise in Police Chief recruitment
• National talent pool access through firms' network, including passive candidates
• Search firms emphasize "fit" rather than just credentials, ensure alignment with city values
• Managing feedback from various stakeholders
• Manages outreach, background screening, social media screening
HR interviewed and obtained proposals from 4 search firms, all of which specialize in law enforcement executive searches. After careful review and discussion, the city has engaged KRW to assist with the search. Tonight, Lynn Johnson, Managing Partner of KRW Associates is here to provide the council and citizens with an overview of the upcoming recruitment process as information only.
A few highlights of KRW:
• Established in 2007
• Headquarters in Arvada, CO
• Completed recent searches for Englewood and Sheridan
• 90% of their placements are still in the role after 5+ years
• Provide tiered screening based on our criteria (A, B, and C candidate tiers)
• Can provide the city with recorded screening interviews
• Provides city with candidate profiles and recommendation for first round semi-finalist interviews
• Conducts in depth background, reference, media, and social media checks
• Will facilitate each interview panel including recommended interview questions
• Overall cost for full-service executive recruitment is $30,500
• 12-month guarantee provided
BACKGROUND:
KRW is recognized as experts in all aspects of public safety and in recruiting public safety executives. The combined public safety experience of KRW’s two principles is more than 80 years. They have decades of public sector executive experience as practitioners and a background of successful executive placements around the country. This experience, combined with the highest level of graduate public administration education, makes for energetic, enlightened, and reliable expertise that extends throughout the United States. KRW knows how and who to recruit for an open position based upon the needs and expectations of the hiring authority.
In addition to being experienced executive search consultants for the past 18 years, KRW staff have professional backgrounds as city managers, police chiefs and law enforcement executives. KRW has contacts and professional friendships with highly qualified municipal and county executives in the Rocky Mountain region and throughout the country.
KRW has earned a reputation of being “values-based” with a strong commitment to their client’s interest and ensuring the search process results in a diverse pool of qualified applicants. Very few search firms have the combination of professional and consultant backgrounds.
While appointment of the Police Chief is the City Manager’s responsibility, it is very important that the selection is consistent with the City Council’s values and goals for law enforcement in Littleton. As part of the study session, staff and KRW will facilitate City Council discussion of the most important attributes for the next Police Chief.
Prior Actions or Discussions
N/A
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Recruitment engagement cost is $30,500. This cost is covered in the Human Resources budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Ask questions about the Police Chief recruitment process and provide input on most important attributes for the next Police Chief.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
Proposed Motion