From the City of Cambridge, Feb. 22, 2017: The search process for hiring a new police commissioner is underway. City Manager Louis A. DePasquale has hired the Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit based in that Washington, D.C., that over the past decade has helped with more than 75 executive searches, to assist with the development of the leadership profile, the recruitment of candidates and the applicant screening process.

The city anticipates candidate recruitment to begin in mid-March, and interviews with candidates to take place in May. The selection and appointment of the police commissioner is made by the city manager.

The public is invited to help develop the leadership profile for the search. Members of the public may participate by attending a citywide public forum or by providing written feedback.

Forums are being held from 6-8 p.m. March 2 in the School Committee Room at  Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway; and from 10 a.m. to noon March 4 at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square. During these sessions, the public will be asked to discuss: What are the leadership qualities that they want the police commissioner to possess? What are the challenges and opportunities that the next commissioner will need to address?

Members of the public can send written comments on these questions and other relevant feedback in email to [email protected].

Perf will also be conducting multiple interviews with constituencies including: school staff; business and university representatives; city employees; people in the nonprofit community; neighborhood associations; members of city faith communities; youth representatives; city board and commission members; and community agency partners.

For information about the forums, call the City Manager’s Office at (617) 349-4300.