Submitted by Fox First at Ten on September 11th
City Of Spokane Press Release:
In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Spokane City Council tonight confirmed the appointment of Frank Straub as the City's Director of Law Enforcement. (Council Member Steve Salvatori was absent.)
"I urge you to consider the totality of the input we have received over the last several months. … I believe you will end up at the same place that I have," Mayor David Condon told the Council. "As I've mentioned before, Frank is the community's hire. The voice of the community is telling me that Frank is the right choice."
Council President Ben Stuckart noted that he spoke with many people to reach his decision. "The totality of view is that his resume is strong, people love him, and he is going to be what we need in Spokane," Council President Stuckart says.
After the vote, Law Enforcement Director Straub said he appreciates the support of the Mayor and Council Members. "Mayor Condon and the Spokane City Council have put their faith in me, and I am ready to get to work to implement their vision for improved law enforcement in Spokane," Straub says. "Working with the men and women of the Spokane Police Department, we can build a stronger department."
Straub is scheduled to begin work on Oct. 1. He will meet with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission this week to finalize the requirements needed for him to gain a police commission in the state of Washington. Once he meets those requirements, Straub's title will change to Chief of Police.
Straub was chosen following a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for the position of Chief of Police. The selection process included two initial screening rounds, a day of interviews with five separate panels, collection of feedback from citizens, visits to the home cities of the two final candidates, and a variety of background checks. Mayor Condon appointed him to the position last month, and the Council's confirmation was the final step in the process.
"The Council's confirmation vote finalizes the very important decision of who will lead our police department. I am proud to welcome Frank Straub to our community and our City family," the Mayor says. "I am looking forward to a bright future for SPD."
