City Commission picks David Hendrickson, City of Warren Captain (and third ranking officer, in Michigan's third largest City) as new Public Safety Director/Police Chief.

 
    Captain David Hendrickson

Captain Hendrickson has been with the Warren Police Department since 01-23-87.  He grew up in Warren, graduating from Cousino High School.  Captain Hendrickson obtained an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Macomb County Community College, and a Bachelors Degree in Cultural and Behavioural Science from Indiana University.  He also attended and graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.  Captain Hendrickson is also a former member of the Special Response Team and was the supervisor for the Hostage Negotiations Team.
       

The City's selection process began with advertisements in various law enforcement journals  and through the Michigan Municipal League. Said efforts  produced 32 applicants.Six   were invited to interview. Four of which, including  current City of Bloomfield Hills Police officer, and acting Public Safety Director, Terry McDonnell were invited to second interviews.  Each interview lasted approximately an hour.The process which began at 5:30 pm was  open to the public and  the press. At 9:30 pm City Commission went into closed session  deliberations. At that time it was not known whether the commission would make a decision that night or require more time.When it was mentioned that some municipal/township governing bodies were allowing the public to witness final deliberations, Mayor McClure said the commission was acting the advise of the City Attorney by going to a closed session.

Shortly before ten pm a decision was made. The Commission asked that notice of said be held pending notification of the applicants and the acceptance of David Hendrickson.  That condition was removed this morning. 

At that time, City Manager Jay Cravens reported that four Commissioners (Michael Dul, Pat Hardy,Michael Zambricki, and Mayor McClure) voted for David Hendrickson and one Commissioner (Stuart Scherr) abstained. 

 When asked for an  opinion on the commission's decision, Cravens. said it was indicative of a need to change the culture based on several conduct unbecoming episodes from last fall. It is hoped that new Chief Hendrickson  will bring a fresh approach to the City's Public Safety Department.Very possibly  Chief  Hendrickson could be available to meet the public as soon as early June.