The Midland Police Department (MPD) will hire an interim police chief and a full-time chief, following the announcement of current Chief Seth Herman accepting a position as the police chief with the Lubbock Police Department. The selection process for both an interim and a permanent replacement is underway.
As of May 15, four applicants have applied for the interim position. Interviews for this role are scheduled to begin on May 17, with Chief Herman's last day set for May 21. City management has engaged in discussions with the police officers’ association, all three deputy chiefs, and other relevant stakeholders before making the interim appointment.
The city plans to hire an executive recruitment firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new full-time police chief, continuing the practice used for previous high-level positions. Input from the community and law enforcement officials will be sought through town halls and surveys to ensure a thorough and inclusive hiring process.
The recruitment effort will be aligned with an initiative to hire more Community Service Officers (CSOs) and bolster the Citizens on Patrol (COPS) volunteer program, which aims to increase the police presence in the community and enable MPD officers to focus on core police duties.
City management has reported a reduction in the number of vacancies within the police department, from around 40 to a projected 17 by the end of the year. Additionally, traffic enforcement, particularly concerning speeding, reckless driving, and the regulation of heavy trucks on city streets, will be a priority during the interim period.