Quincy Police Chief selection process down to five finalists

QUINCY — The members of the Board of Fire and Police Commission have selected five finalists in the effort to find Quincy’s next police chief.  

Commissioner Barry Cheyne said there were 15 initial applicants, but four of them were deemed to not have met the qualifications for the position. Then, out of those 11, two of the candidates withdrew before filling out a final questionnaire.

“We anticipate a police chief selection by May 2,” Cheyne said in a news release. “The board stands committed to a fair, impartial and non-political search process.”

QPD Chief Rob Copley is retiring on May 6.

The five finalists, two external and three internal candidates, were selected after a two-month police chief executive search conducted by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. 

On April 9, the candidates will conduct a day-long assessment in Quincy.  Cheyne said the number of eligible candidates may be reduced after the assessment, which will be conducted by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.  

On April 28, the candidates will conduct a city orientation, working lunch, and participate in an evening community forum.  The following day, the candidates will conduct day-long interviews with a stakeholder group in the morning and the fire and police commission in the afternoon.  

Details of the community forum event are expected to be announced soon.