Search begins for new police chief in Altoona

Friday, November 16, 2018
Shannon Satterlee | WQOW

Altoona (WQOW)- The search begins for a new police chief in Altoona.

Jesse James, the current police chief was recently elected to the 68th Assembly and will no longer be able to fill the position of chief.

Mike Golat, the Altoona city administrator said the position for police chief opened up Thursday.

Golat said the police and fire commission have full control of who's elected.

He said the position will be open for a month and then they hope to narrow down the search and have finalist come in by the end of January.

James' last day will be January 7.

"There will be a lapse in between when Jesse leaves, and when the new chief comes on board," Golat said. During that time, we'll probably assign an interim or an acting chief to fill that interim time."

Golat said once they extend an offer to someone, they're expecting it take another month before the new chief can start working.

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