The city of Alliance announced an end to its search for an Alliance Police Department Chief on Thursday, indicating the appointment of David Leavitt as the new Chief of Police.
The announcement was made in a press release issued by the city, noting that Leavitt, of Nashville, Tenn. had accepted the position.
“Chief Leavitt retired from the Metro Nashville Police Department after more than twenty years of service, which included time as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, internal affairs, lieutenant, and captain. After promotion to lieutenant, Leavitt served as a watch commander and as an instructor with the Citizen Policy Academy,” the press release stated.
According to the press release, Leavitt was a paramedic before becoming a police officer. Leavitt has two of degrees, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree. Both of the degrees are from Columbia Southern University.
The release notes that a total of nine applications were submitted for the position, and that the city was aided in the search by several groups and organizations, including consultants Government Professional Solutions and a Police Review Board made up of law enforcement officials throughout the Panhandle. The Alliance Civil Service Commission also played a role in the process.
“In addition to submitting resumes and cover letters, candidates were required to complete multiple written questionnaires, participate in a preliminary video interview conducted and scored by GPS, interview with the Police Review Board, interview with the Civil Service Commission and interview with the City Manager and city staff. We thank those who served on these boards or otherwise dedicated their time and talents to the success of this hiring process,” the release noted.
The search has been ongoing since Alliance Chief of Police Philip Lukens submitted his resignation, effective Sept. 15, 2023. Since that time, Lieutenant Kirk Felker, who has had more than 26 years of experience with the department, has served as the interim chief as the city searched for someone to fill the position.
On Dec. 15, 2023, the city of Alliance announced their intent to interview three candidates for the position, including Felker. City Manager Seth Sorensen issued a press release on Jan. 19 thanking the candidates who were interviewed, but ultimately announcing that the search would continue.
“The City of Alliance recently completed interviews with three candidates for the position of Chief of Police but was unable to come to mutually agreeable terms with the candidates,” the release stated. “We thank those who dedicated their time and talents during the process thus far.”
Leavitt is expected to begin within the next six weeks.