Archived News Release: October 30, 2015 - The City of Ann Arbor is hosting a public reception for community members to meet the three candidates who would like to be Ann Arbor's next chief of police. Former Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto retired from the city in July 2015. The event will take place 6–7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, in the lobby of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St.
Information on the candidates follows:
Jim Baird has been the Ann Arbor interim police chief since July 2015 and has been with the Ann Arbor Police Department since January 1993. He most recently served as deputy police chief, after a promotion in May 2013. Baird earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University.
Rob Severance is currently the deputy city manager and police chief, Cleburne, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and communication from Dallas Baptist University and a master of arts degree in professional development from Amberton University. Severance began his career in law enforcement in July 1990.
James White has been an assistant police chief with the Detroit Police Department since February 2013. He began his law enforcement career in June 1996 with the DPD. White earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Wayne State University.
Interviews with the candidates will continue on Nov. 6; a recommendation for the city's new police chief is expected to come from City Administrator Steve Powers at the Monday, Nov. 16 City Council meeting.
All persons are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting the City Clerk's office at 734.794.6140; via email to [email protected]; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to:
City Clerk's Office | 301 E. Huron St. | Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests need to be received at least two business days in advance of the meeting.
# # # # #
