The City of Hopkinsville will conduct a nationwide search for its next police chief, with applications set to open Oct. 1.
The city announced Wednesday that deputy police chief Erik Pacheco will remain in his current role through the remainder of Mayor J.R. Knight’s term, providing continuity within the Hopkinsville Police Department as the search moves forward.
The position will be open to qualified candidates from within HPD as well as applicants from across the country.
“Public safety has been a cornerstone of our administration and remains one of the City of Hopkinsville’s top priorities,” Knight said in a press release. “As we begin the process of identifying the next leader of the Hopkinsville Police Department, we want to be thoughtful and thorough.”
Knight said conducting a nationwide search will allow the city to consider a broad pool of candidates while also giving current HPD employees an opportunity to pursue the position.
According to the city, the search will focus on candidates with demonstrated leadership experience, a commitment to professional policing and community engagement, and the ability to lead an organization that prioritizes officer development, accountab...