The City of Manteca — for the first time ever — is asking what residents would like considered when the next police chief is hired.

A survey in both English and Spanish that can be filled out via the city’s website asks the following three questions:

*For the next Police Chief to succeed in Manteca, define the leadership style and characteristics you feel are most critical.

* What are the most important issues that you would like the new Police Chief to address their first year on the job?

* Is there anything you would like potential candidates to know about the City that they won’t necessarily learn by doing online research or visiting Manteca?

The survey also asks if you are a Manteca resident, if you work or own a business in Manteca, your residential zip code, and how many years you have lived in Manteca.

There is also a line for you to indicate your name although that is optional.

The survey is available through Jan. 31.

The recruiting firm of Terri Black & Company is conducting the search for the new police chief. Several community members will be part of a screening committee that will interview semi-finalists for the job that are culled from initial screenings.

Manteca has been without a permanent police chief on the job since Jodie Estarziau was placed on paid administrative leave in November of 2019. The city and Estarziau agreed to a mutual separation late  last year.

 Retired Modesto police chief Mike Harden is currently the acting chief.

Manteca since 1990 has had six permanent police chiefs — Willie Weatherford, Rich Gregson, Charlie Halford, Dave Bricker, Nick Obligacion and Estarziau who was the first woman to hold the post.

All six, except Gregson, rose from the ranks of the Manteca Police Department although Weatherford was hired as police chief after working with the Galt Police Department as an officer and then several years as police chief/city manager.

Gregson was the shortest serving police chief with less than two years in Manteca before he moved to a larger department. Halford was the longest serving with 11 years.

Halford is currently a Manteca City Council member.

The decision on who ultimately will serve as police chief rests with City Manager Miranda Lutzow.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@manteccabulletin.com

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