RESOURCES:

Linebacker Registration (.pdf)

“Linebacker” is a fully credentialed retired police chief who contracts with a city to fill the leadership gap that occurs when the police chief position is vacant.

The linebacker program links cities that require short term management of a police department with retired police chiefs with active credentials and qualified experience. When a police chief vacancy occurs (and they occur for a wide range of reasons), cities are faced with the challenge of keeping the police department moving forward. During this interim period, the “Linebacker” would work to maintain/implement policies established by elected officials, promote goals of the department, achieve organizational objectives and respond to community service needs.

Here’s how the program works:

• The city manager or designated contact from the city requests a list of “Linebacker” program candidates from the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police executive office.
• The OACP Executive Office would provide the municipality with a portfolio of potential candidates including resumes and the linebacker application on file.
• The municipality, through the city manager or other appropriate party would have the responsibility of selecting, interviewing and negotiating a short-term labor agreement with the preferred Linebacker.

The linebacker program has been utilized on a number of occasions in cities throughout the State of Oregon with proven success.