🕵️ Fort Pierce Police Chief Search Underway

📍TL;DR: Fort Pierce has officially begun the search for its next police chief. The city has hired a Tallahassee-based executive recruitment firm to lead the process, which is expected to take up to four months.

🧭 Where We Are Now: City Manager Richard Chess announced that Fort Pierce will work with S. Renee Narloch & Associates, a search firm specializing in senior public sector roles. The firm will be paid $24,450, with up to $4,500 in reimbursable expenses.

Their role includes recruiting, vetting, and preparing a finalist pool for Chess to choose from. The City Commission must consent to the final hire, per the city charter.

👮‍♂️ Why It Matters: The position opened after former Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney resigned on May 19 following internal turmoil and public scrutiny. Her resignation becomes effective August 17, but she’s currently on leave and still being paid. Deputy Chief Robert Ridle is serving as acting chief in the meantime. He plans to retire next year and is not seeking the permanent role.

🗣 Public Involvement?: Some commissioners have suggested hosting a public meet-and-greet with the final candidates, though the charter gives hiring authority to the city manager. As of now, there is no formal plan for public engagement.

🧩 Background: Hobley-Burney led the department for 10 years but faced growing criticism from commissioners, findings from an outside review, and a union survey suggesting a lack of officer confidence in her leadership. We covered her resignation in May.

There were also internal issues that came to light earlier this year. A February WPTV investigation reported on mismanaged evidence that led to some criminal cases being dropped.

📎 What’s Next: The recruitment process is underway and expected to take about four months. The firm will screen applicants and help with the final negotiation, but the ultimate decision will rest with City Manager Chess.