The Search for a New Police Chief

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville Chief Emmett Turner retired April 1, 2003 as Nashville's chief to become the state's assistant commissioner of fire prevention.

Who will replace him?

Ronal W. Serpas

APPOINTED POLICE CHIEF 1-12-04

Chief of the Washington State Patrol (2001 to present)

Chief Serpas retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Police and the first Chief of Operations of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) after 21 years of service. He began his career in June 1980, rose through all supervisory ranks and was appointed Police Major in October 1990. In 1996 he was appointed Chief of Operations, commanding over 1,500 personnel. Serpas graduated from the University of New Orleans in May 1998, receiving his Ph.D. degree in Urban Studies, specializing in Urban Crime, is a graduate of the 25th Session of the FBI National Executive Institute.

Who was in the running...

The Candidates

The Insiders

Judy Bawcum - 12/20/03: no longer being considered.

56, Assistant Chief in command of the East Patrol Bureau.

Deborah Faulkner - 12/20/03: no longer being considered.

Deputy Chief over Field Operations. A 30-year veteran of the department charged with overseeing the East and West Patrol Bureaus. Deputy Chief Faulkner is now the Acting Metro Chief and is a top contender for the permanent job.

Valerie Meece - 12/20/03: no longer being considered.

Assistant Chief over the Administrative Services Bureau. As Assistant Chief, Meece oversees the department’s Training, Personnel, Information & Technology, Records, Inspections and Case Preparation Divisions. Meece, 51, is a 29-year police department veteran.

The Outsiders

Jimmie Dotson

Chattanooga Police Chief Jimmie Dotson. Chief Dotson came to Chattanooga in 1997 after a 23-year career in Houston, Texas, serving as Assistant Police Chief in Houston from 1990-1997. He was a finalist to replace former Nashville Chief Bob Kirchner and was among the final candidates for the Louisville, KY police chief position in 2002. Chief Dotson announced on 12/4/03 that he will be stepping down as Chattanooga's Police Chief effective February 1, 2004.
 

Walter McNeil - 12/20/03: no longer being considered.
Tallahasee, Florida Police Chief

Alberto Melis

Waco, Texas Police Chief (2000 to present)

Came to Waco from Lauderhill, Florida where he has served as the police chief from 1997 to 2000. Melis' law enforcement career includes working for 24 years in the Delray Beach, Florida Police Department rising to the rank of captain. Melis was born in Havana, Cuba. He came to the U.S. at the age of 11 and grew up in South Florida. He is married to Carol, his wife of 28 years.

Ronald Miller - 12/20/03: no longer being considered.

Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief

Ronal W. Serpas

Chief of the Washington State Patrol (2001 to present)

Chief Serpas retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Police and the first Chief of Operations of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) after 21 years of service. He began his career in June 1980, rose through all supervisory ranks and was appointed Police Major in October 1990. In 1996 he was appointed Chief of Operations, commanding over 1,500 personnel. Serpas graduated from the University of New Orleans in May 1998, receiving his Ph.D. degree in Urban Studies, specializing in Urban Crime, is a graduate of the 25th Session of the FBI National Executive Institute.