In cities across the United States, the search for a new police chief often becomes more than a routine hiring process. It is a mirror of a community’s values, fears, and hopes for the future. Amarillo is no exception. Following the February retirement of former Chief Martin Birkenfeld, the city has begun the process of recruiting a new leader for its police department—a decision that will shape the relationship between law enforcement and residents for years to come.
The conversation is not just about filling a vacancy. It is about accountability, trust, and what role policing should play in a city that is wrestling with its identity and challenges.
Why the Search Is Happening Now
Former Chief Martin Birkenfeld, who had been at the helm since 2020, stepped down after controversy over his decision to write a letter in support of former Perryton High School coach Cole Underwood, who was convicted of sexual misconduct involving a minor. That letter, read aloud in court during sentencing, sparked widespread criticism and created doubt about the department’s leadership.
Birkenfeld’s retirement was framed as a “mutual agreement to part ways” between him and the city. But the timing and circumstances left many residents questioning whether APD leadership was truly aligned with community values.
Since February, Jimmy Johnson has been serving as interim chief. But the City of Amarillo has made it clear: this transitional period is only a stepping stone toward hiring a permanent leader.
Listening Before Writing the Job Description
On August 25, city officials and residents gathered for a community meeting facilitated by Public Sector Search & Consulting, the recruitment firm hired to manage the process. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman was clear about the purpose of the gathering:
“This is just part of our process of trying to get engagement from the community,” Freeman said. “We don’t even have a draft job description yet. We’re waiting on this feedback so we can build a recruitment brochure that reflects the expectations and hopes of this future chief of police.”
That statement underscores a key difference in Amarillo’s approach this time around. Instead of drafting a description and then asking for public buy-in, the city is trying to build the job around what residents actually want. The meeting was small—only about ten people attended—but the voices in the room were pointed and passionate.
What the Community Wants
A Leader Who Shapes Culture
Dr. Shanna James, executive director of Andrea’s Project, emphasized the importance of leadership in shaping the entire department.
“It’s really important that this city is trying to get community feedback on what we want in our police chief,” James said. “That shapes the culture of what our Police Department becomes. It starts with leadership, and it’s very important to have certain qualities and attributes in place that reflect what our city actually wants.”
James also pushed for a broader view of public safety, one that doesn’t measure success by arrest numbers alone. Prevention, strategy, training, and collaboration with community organizations, she argued, are equally essential.
Respect for the Unhoused
Another key theme was how APD interacts with Amarillo’s unhoused residents. Virginia Williams Trice, with Amarillo Housing First, reminded attendees that the next chief must treat unhoused people with dignity.
“Just because they don’t have a home doesn’t mean they’re not human,” she said.
Several residents criticized what they see as misplaced priorities: police focusing on ticketing the unhoused for minor violations while violent crime and human trafficking demand more urgent attention.
Transparency and Authenticity
Multiple residents called for authenticity. One summed it up simply: Amarillo needs a chief who is “genuine and authentic, someone you can walk up to and know they’re really listening.”
Consultant Justin Doll, who facilitated the meeting, echoed that sentiment from a recruitment perspective. “I like to describe that in a chief candidate, or an acting chief, as somebody who’s genuine and authentic, right? Somebody you can walk up to and talk to and feel comfortable that they are listening to what you have to say.”
Inside Candidate vs. Outside Perspective
One of the recurring questions in any police chief search is whether to promote from within the department or bring in an outsider. Amarillo residents raised both sides of the issue.
Supporters of an internal hire argued that someone local would better understand Amarillo’s challenges. But others cautioned that hiring from within risks perpetuating the same problems that already exist.
“If the culture is broken and hasn’t been addressed, promoting someone who’s been silent about it won’t fix anything,” one resident said.
Another went further, raising concerns about the “thin blue line culture” within APD. “We’ve got a thin blue line literally painted in the street in front of the police department here, and that’s a signal to all of the citizens in this community,” the resident argued.
Doll, who previously served as Anchorage’s police chief, urged people not to get stuck on résumés. “There are advantages to someone rooted in the community, but also advantages to an outsider who can bring a fresh set of eyes,” he said.
National Context
One reason Amarillo hired Public Sector Search & Consulting is the firm’s experience guiding other cities through similar moments. Doll told residents they might be surprised by how familiar their concerns sound.
“You might be surprised to learn that a lot of communities across the country are dealing with the same issues you’re describing here,” he said.
That perspective matters. Police departments everywhere are under pressure to rebuild trust, address staffing shortages, and balance enforcement with prevention. Amarillo is not alone—but that doesn’t mean the city should settle for a cookie-cutter solution.
Priorities for the Next Chief
From the meeting and survey feedback, a few priorities have emerged clearly:
Transparency and Integrity – Residents want someone who will lead openly and honestly.
Community Collaboration – The next chief must work with nonprofits, advocates, and residents, not against them.
Fair Treatment of the Unhoused – Enforcement should not come at the cost of dignity.
De-escalation and Mental Health Awareness – Concerns remain over incidents like the 2023 fatal shooting of a man with mental health issues.
Focus on Serious Crime – Residents want more attention on violent crime and human trafficking, and less on punishing minor infractions.
Cultural Change Within APD – The next chief will need to challenge insular traditions that discourage accountability.
The Road Ahead
The search process is structured and deliberate. Once community input is gathered, the job will be posted for about 30 days. From there, the applicant pool will be narrowed to a top 10, then 7–8 for virtual interviews. Finally, four or five finalists will be invited to Amarillo for in-person interviews and public forums.
Freeman explained that once candidates reach the finalist stage, their names and backgrounds will be shared with the public for feedback. “Once they’re finalists, we’ll publicize their names and backgrounds so the public can meet them and provide feedback,” he said.
The city hopes to have a new chief hired by the end of the year or early January at the latest.
Why Every Voice Counts
One takeaway from the August 25 meeting is that even a small group of engaged residents can shape the conversation. Dr. James noted, “The people who showed up were very passionate and actively participating. Ten people is actually a pretty good number for a focus group.”
Still, the city is hoping more residents will weigh in, especially through the anonymous online survey, which remains open through August 29. That survey allows residents who couldn’t attend in person to make their voices heard without fear of judgment.
The stakes are high. Amarillo is not just hiring an administrator; it is selecting the person who will embody the city’s values in moments of crisis, controversy, and change.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to think of a police chief search as something distant from daily life, but in reality, it touches everything. The way the Amarillo Police Department treats the unhoused, responds to mental health crises, investigates violent crime, or interacts with young people—all of it flows from leadership at the top.
That is why this process matters so much. If Amarillo gets this right, the city has an opportunity to reset the relationship between its police department and its people. If it gets it wrong, the cycle of mistrust and controversy could continue.
For now, the city is listening. And in a time when many communities feel shut out of major decisions, that in itself is a hopeful sign.
Amarilloans still have time to make their voices count. The survey is open until August 29, and future forums with finalists will provide another chance for residents to engage. The next police chief will not be just another city hire—they will be a public figure with the power to shape the city’s culture of safety, justice, and trust.
