News

Fort Collins Police Lieutenant Kevin Cronin has been promoted to serve as the next Deputy Chief of the Patrol Division.

Police Services conducted a robust selection process to fill a vacancy created when the existing Deputy Chief transferred to a different executive leadership role within the agency. In order to fill the position, internal candidates were invited to submit a professional cover letter and resume. Representatives from Police Executive Staff and City of Fort Collins Human Resources Department reviewed the submissions to ensure that candidates met the minimum qualifications as defined in the Fort Collins Police Services Policy Manual.

Candidates then participated in three separate phases:

1. An executive panel interview. The interview was conducted by executives from FCPS, the City Manager’s office, and outside law enforcement agencies.
2. A community forum. Candidates responded to a mock scenario and answered questions presented by a panel. The panel included a diverse mix of community members representing various ethnicities, genders, professional backgrounds, business interests, and social issues in Fort Collins. A panel of assessors evaluated candidate responses. Assessors included representatives from Human Resources and outside law enforcement executives from around the state. This forum was also open to FCPS employees, and a recording was made available to those unable to attend. All who viewed the forum were encouraged to fill out comment sheets.
3. A two-on-one interview. Candidates met with FCPS Chief Hutto and City Manager Darin Atteberry.

At the conclusion of the process, Chief Hutto reviewed the suitability evaluations completed by assessors and comment sheets submitted by panel members and FCPS employees.

“This process was rigorous, involving both internal and external stakeholders from a cross-section of our department and community,” Hutto said. “While these decisions are always complex, the consensus throughout the process made the final decision clear and compelling. Kevin possesses the right combination of skills and personality to move the department forward, and I am excited for the future and what this next chapter brings.”

KRW Associates, a third-party consulting firm that conducts promotion and hiring processes around the nation, assisted in developing a robust selection process. Deputy Chief Cronin’s promotion will go into effect on April 10.

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