Captain Michael Meehan of the Seattle Police Department will be presented Tuesday to the Berkeley City Council for confirmation as the new Chief of Police for the Berkeley Police Department.

Meehan was one of eight candidates interviewed for the position that was vacated by Douglas Hambleton, who retired in late September.

"The city actually interviewed a total of two internal people and six external people," said Victoria Urbi, secretary for the Police Review Commission.

Urbi said Meehan was interviewed by three panels consisting of citizens, police officials and city officials.

According to a report from the City Manager's Office, brochures advertising the position were sent to police chiefs in the top 100 university cities nationwide, and 45 resumes were submitted as a result.

According to SeattlePolice.net, a police blog, Meehan has been involved in the violent crimes and narcotics sections of the Seattle Police Department.

Urbi said Meehan, who will earn $205,400 annually if appointed as chief, has been with the Seattle Police for over 20 years.

Councilmember Kriss Worthington said that Meehan's past experience in the narcotics and violent crime sections may be particularly relevant to Berkeley.

"One of the things that impressed people was his working closely with the ACLU to try to address drug policy issues and also the fact that he was specifically in charge of violent crimes in Seattle," Worthington said.

Councilmember Jesse Arreguin also said Meehan's experience with violent crime prevention is important due to a recent increase in violent crime in Berkeley.

"Mr. Meehan has a lot of experience in working toward developing effective relationships with the community and that's what we need in Berkeley," Arreguin said.

Worthington said that he was impressed with some of Meehan's personal characteristics.

"He seemed to have a strong focus on looking for practical solutions and being open-minded to the culture of Berkeley," Worthington said.

Urbi said the hiring of a chief outside the department may raise concerns, but that the practice is not uncommon in the Bay Area, citing examples such as San Francisco and Oakland's respective chiefs.

Worthington said the appointment of a chief who has not been involved with the department may bring a fresh perspective to local issues.

"I think there is a lot to be said about people who know the local culture and the local way of doing things, but there are other times when it is good to bring in a fresh face and new eyes to look at the situation," Worthington said.

According to a council staff report, Meehan will not start as chief until Dec. 13.

Tags: MICHAEL MEEHAN, BERKELEY POLICE DEPARTMENT