What traits do you think are most important for the next Kaua‘i police chief?

Kaua‘i County Police Commission has begun its search for a new police chief.

The commission thinks every member of the community is a stakeholder in the selection of the next chief and seeks input from Kaua‘i residents about the traits and qualities they want the next leader of Kaua‘i Police Department to possess.

The Police Chief Desirable Traits Survey was created to gauge the community’s opinion and gather input from residents.

Results of the survey will be used by the commission to help guide its chief selection process.

“The commission recognizes that every successful leader, in any occupation, possesses a common set of skills, knowledge and abilities,” says the survey introduction letter by Kaua‘i Police Commission Chairman Walton Hong. “However, since the position of police chief is unique, just as our island is unique, in order to be successful our next chief must also possess a unique set of traits.”

Traits are defined as qualities, behaviors and personal attributes that will ensure the new chief’s success.

Through research of nationwide police organizations, the commission compiled a list of traits more than 350 sitting police chiefs think are — and will be — critical for any chief during the next 10 years.

The survey asks residents to pick the top 5 desirable traits they think are most important for Kaua‘i’s next police chief. Survey choices include:

• Ethics, integrity, honesty.
• Embraces transparency.
• Takes responsibility and personal accountability.
• Avoids political distractions.
• Engages with community and builds community trust.
• Adaptable, flexible, open to change.
• Forward thinking/has vision for future of department.
• Demonstrates humility.

Commissioners will certainly demand the next chief possesses these skills and myriad of others expected of any effective leader. Those who take the survey also can include any trait not listed.

“Your input will be critical to the Police Commission in our search for a new police chief,” Hong’s letter says. “Thank you in advance for your assistance.”

You can take the online survey here. It is available through June 30.