Police board still mulling new deputy chief hire, more interviews planned

Hamilton police board chair Lloyd Ferguson says the board is not ready to name its choice for a second deputy police chief, after all.

Ferguson, who originally expected to announce the successful candidate this week, says the board opted instead to hold a second round of interviews for the contenders seeking to replace Eric Girt, who was promoted to chief in May.

Ferguson says it may take a while before the second interviews take place because it’s proving difficult to align dates for the seven members of the board and two consultants.

“It’s just a matter of getting dates when everyone is available,” he says.

The first interviews were held last Friday. Ferguson says the delay does not indicate a lack of candidate strength. He says the second interview will be “different format” which will look at different skills.

The new deputy chief will be responsible for community policing, which includes uniform patrol and investigative services. Ken Weatherill, the other deputy chief, will retain responsibility for finance and administration.

The board, which limited the new search to internal candidates, urged the police services’ eight superintendents and seven inspectors to apply. But it’s believed only a handful of senior officers — possibly as few as two — stepped forward.

Ferguson says he can’t reveal the number of applicants.

“It’s a privacy matter. I checked with our lawyers and other professionals, and I can’t disclose that.”

Ferguson says it’s possible the board could advertise externally if agreement can’t be reached, but that’s “unlikely.”

“I’m hopeful we’ll get a consensus, but you never know until the hands go up.”