GUADALUPE, Calif. -- Major changes are ahead for the small town of Guadalupe as its police chief decides not to renew his contract with the city. Now, the search is on for his replacement.
Guadalupe Police Chief George Mitchell is out. He put in his 60 say notice and will not seek a new contract when his expires January 27th.
"The timing just seemed appropriate," says Mitchell. "The second contract, I've had with the city, is coming to an end. I've been here five terms and it seemed like a good time to wrap up what I've done."
Mitchell overseas a staff of 11 officers and his last term was not without controversy. In July of this year, the Police Officers Association had a vote of no confidence concerning the chief.
Whoever takes over for Mitchell now, may only have the job temporarily. @
Now, the city has options to either appoint from within the department or appoint an interim chief. Those options will be presented to the city council next month.
"There's not enough time," says Guadalupe City Administrator Tim Ness. "In order to provide effective recruitment for a position, it normally takes about five to six months."
Once the chief is in place, the city still has to advertise the position, recruit candidates, review resumes, conduct oral panels and begin the selection process to find the new full time chief.
Because of budget cuts, the city already froze it's fire chief position.
Guadalupe is looking in a new Director of Public Safety position where the new chief would oversee both police and fire.
"The department will be in good shape. I think I've helped move it along and hopefully left it in a better place than I originally found it," says Mitchell. "I think the next person who comes along will pick up the reigns and go forward again."
