Agenda Date: 03/10/2026
Subject:
Title
Police Chief Search Update
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Tracy Hooker, HR Director
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 fi...
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