Tracy Press

 
City hires a consulting firm to find a new police chief once David Krauss retires this fall.

Capt. John Espinoza will apply for the job. Press file photo.

Deputy Chief Rick Golphin has yet to decide whether he'll apply. Press file photo.

“Going through an executive search firm is kind of like using a headhunter,” said city personnel director Maria Olvera. “They do extensive background searches to make sure no controversial records come up on an individual.”

She said her office will get the job description out as soon as possible and hopes to interview qualified applicants by November, but with the holiday season complicating the search, the city probably won’t make an offer until early January.

Starting salary for the chief’s job at $138,630, and tops out at $168,476. The recruitment firm is Mercer Group Inc. of Georgia.

Krauss will retire Oct. 30 after nine-and-a-half years on the job.

Capt. John Espinoza will apply for the job, and Deputy Chief Rick Golphin, who said several weeks ago he would not apply, is now undecided.

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written by Observer , August 28, 2008

Noooo... not another consultation feeeeee... (could have gone to the poor animal shelter?) what about in-house promotion? Those who are familiar with Tracy and the crime issues?

But then that is just me.
Good luck.

-amy

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written by fortheunderdog , August 28, 2008

Capt John Espinoza would make a great choice for chief.

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written by Dave Hardesty , August 28, 2008

Both John and Rick would make excellent choices in my book.

But when you look at the work a consultant does, as described by the article, it's pretty easy to understand why the City would go that route. After all, the object is to select the best qualified person isn't it?

Still, I would prefer to hire from within for a lot of reasons. Actually if City Counsel wanted to change this then they could direct the City Manager to change the hiring policy.

Even so, it doesn't mean that John or Rick cannot apply and I strongly recommend they do so. From my personal experiences in dealing with the two of them I feel they are more than qualified for the position. But then again, I am not a law enforcement officer so I don't really have the credentials to make such a decision.

Dave Hardesty

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written by Observer , August 28, 2008

It would be great if City would hire consultant for the animal shelter?

Sorry, just being a big softie!

-amy

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written by mactrew5 , August 29, 2008

Consultant again? Is there not a thing called Human Resources? I'm sure they could put together a team from within and search out the best cadidate. We need to be more resourceful than that!

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 29, 2008

That is rediculous! Another consulting fee! Check our two guys out first. I'm sorry but it gets a little bit annoying when Tracy has to hire a conultant every time we need a new employee for one of these top jobs when we as citizens know very well that Espinoza can do the job. I'm not familiar with Golphin, but I'm with amy on this. 25 thou is a lot of money that could be put to better use.

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written by Observer , August 29, 2008

Just being selfish, I hope one will be promoted from within ...(if all requirements are met)... why?...because.. that person will know David Krauss' program of trying to unite the population and the police in fighting the crime in Tracy, will help them to take back Tracy better?

Thanks maybenotadumbcomment, glad we agreed on something!

-amy

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written by fortheunderdog , August 29, 2008

Dave,

A consulting firm is just like having personell and training recruiting for officers. Backround investigations are routine for any police department. Sometimes agencies look for an unbiased outside backround investigation person to do the work but they don't pay anywhere close to $25,000 to have that work performed. The $25,000 can be better used within the city.

Both Espinoza and Golphin are "known" to the department. They have already had their backround investigations completed. And, I believe both have attended the FBI Academy in VA. Both know what it's going to take to move TPD ahead in the future. They both know the current rank and file. They are aware of the highs and lows of the department. Espinoza has been with Tracy longer than Golphin but I foresee Golphin submitting his application as another step in his career. Both men are qualified for the position of chief. I've known Espinoza when he worked in Hayward and feel he would do a fantastic job as Tracy's next police chief.

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written by Observer , August 29, 2008

I hope Espinoza gets the job, he has that enthusiasm and concerns for the people, young and old, not afraid to connect with Tracyites! He has that open face type of friendliness that puts people at ease and we do need more like him! Just my opinion.

Good luck Tracyites.

-amy

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written by truthteller , August 29, 2008

wow im not surprised that everyone is complaining about yet another consult cost to the city of tracy, is nobody working for the city quailified to do this sort of work, im scared to even think about how much we are being charged by an out of state company for this. Also why wasnt a more local consult firm hired? cross country investigations, hmm means ot since the time difference, high phone use charges etc.....wow yet another smart move by city board (or whoever) of tracy.....way to think outside the triangle on that one