BOISE, Idaho — The City of Boise on Thursday revealed the results of a recent survey asking the public what qualities are highest priority in selecting the next chief of police.
The Boise community survey asked the public eight questions, four of which asked residents to rank their top five qualities.
In the first question, the public was asked what qualifications are most important when selecting the next chief. The highest answer, which received 57%, was "proven track record of reducing crime and enhancing public safety."
The public was asked what the next chief should prioritize in question two. The top-ranked priority was "reducing crime/enhancing public safety," which received 66% of the vote.
In question three, the public was asked what leadership qualities are important. An overwhelming 82% of participants voted for "demonstrates character," being honesty, high integrity, and ethics.
The final question regarding the next police chief asked what else the mayor should consider before making a choice. Four recurring themes stood out above the rest: Enforcement of laws without political influence, community engagement and reform, rejection of DEI initiatives, and desire for a locally experienced chief.
As previously reported, Chief Ron Winegar announced he will be retiring later this year after 29 years with the Boise Police Department.
Winegar has been serving as Boise's police chief since he stepped in as interim chief in the fall of 2022, after former police chief Ryan Lee resigned. Winegar was appointed as permanent chief in May 2023.
Winegar's final day as police chief will be Sept. 20.
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