There’s a new police chief in town–and his name is Carl Mitchell.
Mitchell, formerly an administrative analyst at the Schaumburg Police Department in Schaumburg, Ill., was confirmed by the Platte City Board of Aldermen at a special meeting Tuesday night. He will take over the department on March 1.
His hiring was first reported on The Landmark’s Twitter page at Twitter.com/ivanfoley on Tuesday evening.
Mitchell was one of 22 applicants for the position, according to Jason Metten, city administrator.
Metten said of the 22 applicants, eight were interviewed by telephone, then the field was narrowed down to four. One of those four eventually dropped out of the running, and the remaining three were interviewed by a personnel committee last Friday, Metten told The Landmark. The committee made the recommendation to offer the job to Mitchell.
“During the interview process, Mr. Mitchell exhibited an encyclopedic knowledge of our city and its organization. His level of preparation and natural leadership became apparent the moment that he entered the room,” said Mayor Frank Offutt.
Metten had similar positive remarks for Mitchell.
“I believe that the interview process was strong and inclusive. The city received input from within the Platte City Police Department, from the Platte County Sheriff’s office as well as from other area leaders. Mr. Mitchell’s performance during the process made him the unanimous top choice and is indicative of the kind of leader Mr. Mitchell will be. He is highly regarded for his collaborative, community-oriented approach to policing and will be a welcome addition to the PCPD,” Metten said.
Mitchell is a graduate of Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971 to 1975, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant.
“During my time in Schaumburg I’ve always been accessible to residents, I’ve participated in community activities and I’ve developed successful partnerships with the other units of local government and the business community. That will not change,” Mitchell said.
“Platte City has many of the same qualities that Schaumburg had when I started as a patrolman. If Platte City experiences similar growth, I am certainly prepared and qualified to help manage it,” he added.
The Village of Schaumburg is located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Its police department employs 250 individuals and has an annual budget of over $21 million.
Platte City’s police department employs 10 people and has a budget of $848,000.