The Amarillo City Council voted this week to approve a contract with a national search firm to help identify and hire the city’s next Chief of Police.
The council awarded a professional services agreement to Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc., a California-based firm known for its exclusive focus on public safety leadership recruitment. The firm will conduct a national search for Amarillo’s next top law enforcement official, with the city agreeing to pay $42,500 plus up to $11,500 in expenses.
“They’ve built a strong national network of candidates and are constantly engaged with active and emerging police leaders through conferences and association events,” said Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman. “They understand what modern policing requires, and they know what Amarillo needs.”
Search Firm Brings Expertise and National Reach
According to its website, Public Sector Search & Consulting is the only firm in the U.S. that focuses solely on recruiting police executives. Its clients currently include the University of Oklahoma, Gig Harbor, Washington, and George Washington University.
The firm has also conducted high-profile police chief searches in cities like Dallas, Irving, Killeen, and Oklahoma City, earning a national reputation for identifying community-oriented law enforcement leaders. Its team is composed of former law enforcement executives who specialize in police and fire chief recruitment.
Freeman said the firm was chosen from a pool of 10 applicants, ultimately standing out for its law enforcement expertise and tailored approach to public safety hiring.
Community Engagement and Transparent Process
The search process, which officially began following Tuesday’s vote, is designed to be inclusive and transparent. Key elements of the agreement include:
Community-Driven Approach: The firm will conduct focus groups, public forums, online surveys, and stakeholder interviews to gather community input and help define the ideal candidate profile.
Structured Process: Over a 90- to 120-day timeline, the search will include advertising, candidate screening, virtual and in-person interviews, and finalist visits to Amarillo for public engagement forums.
Recruitment Materials: A professionally designed brochure and landing page will support the national outreach effort.
Scope of Work: The firm’s services include candidate recruitment, screening, background checks, and assistance through final selection.
Placement Guarantee: If the new Chief resigns or is terminated for cause within the first year, the firm will conduct a second search at no additional cost.
The city will cover candidate travel for interviews and bear the cost of final background investigations. The expenses will be paid using salary savings from the currently vacant police chief position.
Timeline Accelerated, New Chief Expected by End of Year
While an earlier estimate projected a January hire, Freeman said the timeline has now been expedited.
“We’re projecting 90 to 120 days. So it’s possible we could have someone in the November timeframe, maybe December. We had previously talked about January, start of the new year. But it’ll ultimately depend on who’s hired. If they have to transition from another community, how long does it take to travel to Amarillo, get moved,” Freeman said.
The search became necessary after Chief Martin Birkenfeld retired on February 21, following public controversy surrounding a letter he wrote in support of Cole Underwood, a former Perryton football coach convicted of child sexual abuse. Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Johnson is currently serving as Interim Chief.
The city’s leadership hopes the upcoming recruitment process will result in a new Chief of Police who can lead with transparency, integrity, and a strong connection to the Amarillo community.
“We’re going to work with the firm to define the qualities we’re looking for — someone with leadership strength, a commitment to transparency, and a strong sense of community connection,” Freeman said.
