44 apply for open police chief post

Costa Mesa has received 44 applications from people who want to become the city’s next police chief, City Manager Allan Roeder said Monday.

The new chief will take over for interim Chief Steven Staveley, who in July replaced retiring Chief John Hensley.

The fourth police chief in the city’s 53-year history, Hensley spent three years with the department and announced his retirement amid controversy over a City Council plan to train police for immigration enforcement.

Roeder said applicants to head the city’s police force came from across the country and included both men and women. He declined to say specifically where they are from or whether there were applicants from inside the department.

The list will be pared down to between eight and 12 top candidates, who will be interviewed by a panel that could include area law enforcement and city management officials, Roeder said.

The best interviewees will make a short list that will probably meet with City Council members.

An offer will likely be made to a prospective chief in September, Roeder said. The new chief could earn an annual salary up to $167,472.