Hillsborough Police Chief resigns to focus on his campaign for county sheriff

I don't have any more to report besides the contents of the press release below, which was released by the Town of Hillsborough this morning. I wonder if something changed since he filed for office over a month ago, or if the campaign is just now getting going.

Hillsborough Police Chief Clarence Birkhead will step down as the Police Department’s head on April 2.

“As you know, I am a candidate for sheriff of Orange County,” the police chief stated in his resignation letter. “I feel that I should devote all of my energies to my campaign. Under the circumstances, I feel it is best for the Town of Hillsborough and my campaign to step down.”

Birkhead, 49, has been Hillsborough’s police chief for almost five years, starting with the town on July 5, 2005. His annual salary was $92,751. He supervised a department with 32 employees and a $2.4 million budget in Fiscal Year 2010.

“For almost five years I have been devoted to the service of the Town of Hillsborough and its citizens,” Birkhead stated. “During my tenure, the Police Department has markedly improved its service to our citizens. We have experienced successes in all areas of police service. I am confident that I leave the department in a strong position for continued success and excellent service under the leadership of my successor.”

Town Manager Eric Peterson hopes to name an interim chief by early next week.

“We are all thankful for the many improvements Chief Birkhead has made over the past five years to improve the quality of policing that’s been provided to Hillsborough’s citizens,” Peterson said.

Plans will be developed as soon as possible for selecting a new police chief. Replacing a department-head level position typically takes about six months. The process is lengthy due to the need to develop a selection process, advertise the position, screen applicants, conduct interviews and perform background investigations. The entire process must be completed before an employment offer can be made to a potential new chief.

 

 

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Birkhead for Sheriff facebook group:http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Birkhead_for_sheriff/341006964227 Campaign Website:http://clarencebirkhead.com/I don't know how much of the national anti-incumbant mood will filter its way down to county wide elections,  but as a younger person I'm usually a fan of seeing the average age of elected officials getting a little lower, although I'd never make a voting decision soley on that factor.  Mr. Birkhead does seem to have a solid background, the right experience, and a great slogan:Progressive, Professional and Prepared to Lead   

I'm curious about the current sheriff department's stance on undocumented workers. Is it consistent with that of CHPD and CPD? 

but my understanding is no, it is not the same as the local municipalities have directed their police depts.  It is a very valid question for this election as the sherriff has a good deal of leeway here.

 

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