Nationwide Search For Next OKC Police Chief Down To Four Finalists

Oklahoma City's search for a new police chief is now down to four finalists, according to records obtained by News 9.

The city is not revealing the identities of the finalists to protect their positions with current employers, but records indicate two of the top contenders are internal applicants. The other two are from New York and Ohio.

During an exclusive interview with News 9 in March, current police chief Wade Gourley divulged his desire to retire this summer after 34 years of service. Gourley agreed to remain at the helm until the city could find his replacement. 

The Oklahoma City Police Department has 1,235 sworn officers and 451 professional staff to serve 650,000 residents.

City Manager Craig Freeman is responsible for hiring the police chief and considers it one of the most important decisions on the job. He believes the ideal police chief will have extensive operational experience that includes implementing successful crime reduction strategies.

“We will conduct an extensive nationwide search for a new police chief,” Freeman said. “I’m confident we will attract highly qualified candidates from inside and outside the organization.”

The national search began in April 2024, with the city hiring California-based recruiting firm 'Public Sector Search & Consulting,' a group of five retired police chiefs and executives.

The cost of the search was $49,950, according to the firm's contract with the city. The firm promised to attract applicants with leadership experience in modern policing, while also considering interest from within the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The job post highlights OCPD's modern headquarters, five substations, and a $268 million budget.

The approved salary range for the position is $165,411 to $252,856, according to the job post.

The firm cast a wide net, drawing 23 candidates from several states including California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma. It also included a candidate from Ontario, Canada and six contenders from within the ranks of OCPD.

The recruiting firm's contract outlined a two-month process, beginning with several weeks of consultation with city leadership.

The public records further reveal the city invited 50 community leaders - including church members, mental health professionals, law enforcement stakeholders, and representatives from OKC's marginalized communities - to meet with the recruiting firm ahead of the first round of interviews.

Garland Pruitt of the NAACP, Reverend Sheri Dickerson of Black Lives Matter, Pastor J.A. Reed of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, Mark Nelson of OKC’s Fraternal Order of Police, and representatives from OKC’s Chambers of Commerce were among the invitees.

The goal of the community sessions was to get feedback to incorporate in the hiring process beginning with the recruitment brochure.

City leaders say it also helped recruiters create interview questions and screen the candidates.

Four finalists completed a second round of interviews at the end of July.

The firm’s contract expired Aug.1st. The city is expected to finalize its decision and announce a new chief within three weeks.