How to Find the Right Interim Police Chief for Your City

When a police chief leaves, a city cannot simply pause while it searches for a permanent replacement. Officers still need leadership. Residents still expect reliable police services. City leaders also need someone who can make sound decisions and keep the department moving.

That is why interim police chief placement is about more than filling the chief’s office for a few months. The right interim leader can provide stability while the city takes the time to find the right permanent chief. This becomes even more important when a chief leaves after a major incident, controversy, or internal challenge.

Start With the City’s Immediate Needs

Before choosing an interim chief, start by looking at what the department needs right now.

• Is the department operating normally?

• Is employee morale low?

• Are there staffing concerns?

• Is the city dealing with a recent critical incident?

• Will the permanent search take several months?

The answers can help shape the interim role.

In many cases, the interim chief is expected to keep daily operations running and provide steady leadership. However, there may also be urgent safety or organizational issues that need attention. City leaders should explain these expectations from the start so the interim chief knows what needs to be handled.

Know What Authority the Interim Chief Has

An interim chief should know what they can change and what should be left for the permanent chief.

For example:

• Can they make personnel decisions?

• Can they change department policies?

• Can they adjust assignments?

• Are they expected to maintain current operations or make certain improvements?

The Police Executive Research Forum recommends clear expectations for an interim chief’s role and authority. Clear direction helps prevent confusion, keeps employees informed, and allows city leaders to stay focused on the permanent leadership search and broader transition plan.

Choose Leadership Experience Over a Temporary Title

A temporary role still calls for a strong leader. An interim chief may need to handle staff concerns, make tough calls, and respond to issues that cannot wait. Look for someone who knows police operations and has led teams through challenging times. Experience working with city officials, officers, and community members also matters. 

An experienced search process can help identify qualified candidates, including leaders from other agencies or those who have served as interim chiefs. The goal is simple: find someone ready to lead, not just someone available.

Consider the Department’s Culture

Every police department has its own culture, people, and way of doing things. An interim chief coming from outside should take time to listen and understand before making major changes. That means learning how the department is structured, how employees communicate, and what concerns officers and community members may have. 

Clear communication matters too. DOJ guidance has highlighted how unclear changes can create uncertainty among employees. For an interim chief, regular and honest communication can help people understand what is changing, why it matters, and what comes next.

Think About the Permanent Search Too

The interim chief should be part of the city’s bigger plan for finding a permanent leader. There may be qualified candidates applying for police chief job openings in USA communities, but rushing to fill the position is not the answer. The permanent chief should fit the city’s long-term needs and leadership goals.

Meanwhile, the interim chief can keep operations running, support employees, and handle immediate concerns. This gives city leaders something important: time to review candidates carefully and make a thoughtful decision. 

Use a Clear Selection Process

Once the city knows what it needs, the selection process becomes easier to manage. Put the expectations for the interim role in writing and assess each candidate against them.

Consider:

• Leadership experience

• Police management background

• Experience with organizational change

• Communication skills

• Understanding of community needs

• Ability to work with city leadership

• Experience handling difficult situations

The interim chief may serve for only a few months, but those months can have a real impact on department morale, daily operations, public confidence, and the transition to the next permanent leader.

The Right Interim Chief Creates Stability

A police chief vacancy can leave a department wondering what comes next. The right interim chief can provide steady leadership while the city works through the transition.

Start with clear responsibilities, defined authority, and a good understanding of the department’s immediate needs. Look for someone who can lead daily operations, support officers, communicate with city officials, and handle difficult situations.

The goal is simple: keep the department steady, maintain public safety, and give city leaders enough time to choose the right permanent police chief.