BOISE, Idaho — Community members were invited to meet the candidates at the Boise Train Depot on Thursday, July 18, where they answered panel questions and spoke with residents.
- Watch the full panel interview here.
- City of Boise law enforcement recruiting officials say there is no timeline on when the next Chief of Police could be selected.
- The three finalists will continue numerous interviews and background checks.
The City of Boise has reviewed applications from applicants hoping to serve as Boise's next Chief of Police. Now, just three candidates for the role remain.
“We need someone who can come in and inspire and lead and continue that service and that mindset,” said Chief Ron Winegar. His last day with Boise Police is September 20th, so the city is searching for his replacement. Narrowing down the candidates to three finalists.
Assistant Chief Chris Dennison out of Tucson Police Department, Tom Worthy who is currently the Chief of Police in The Dalles in Oregon, and out of Tomball Texas, Chief Jeffery Bert.
Jeffery Bert (above) currently serves as Chief of Police in Tomball, Texas. Bert began his time in Tomball as an Interim Assistant City Manager, and prior to that he served in several leadership roles in the Los Angeles Police Department.
Bert tells Idaho News 6 he also worked for the Los Angeles Police Dept and how he left an impact there, “I can look at policies, our homelessness policy, uses of force policies and some of the training that I implemented are still [there.] They’re used in other states, they're still used in Los Angeles.”
Chris Dennison (above) is the Assistant Chief of Police for the Tucson Police Department, where he's served for 20 years. In that time, Dennison has risen through the ranks. He leads the central investigations, counter narcotics alliance, and forensics with the TPD.
Assistant Chief Dennison tells Idaho News 6 he’d like to focus on lowering crime rates by looking at the root causes of crimes should he be the next Chief of Police in Boise, “I’ve had huge successes in areas of Tucson doing those similar things, and I’d bring that to Boise, just to enhance the abilities of the Boise Police Dept. to contribute to the community for an overall safer city.”
Tom Worthy (above) is currently the Chief of Police in The Dalles, Oregon. Worthy has served with the Oregon State Police for over a decade and has spent 15 years working as a trooper and patrol sergeant.
Pullman Native Chief Worthy worked to make The Dalles Police Dept a fully accredited law enforcement agency.
“I intend to lead in a fair, even and steady handed way. My brand is community oriented policing; engage the community, and work with them to solve problems together,” said Chief Worthy.
Between the three, Chief Winegar says he’s confident the city is in good hands, “whoever is chosen, I look forward to them leading and taking care of not just the citizens of Boise, or the people who live here in our community, but taking care of our officers.”
