LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Noraida Negron,

Laredo, Texas – The City of Laredo narrowed the search for the next Chief of Police to five highly qualified candidates. The City selected SGR to assist in conducting the extensive search that resulted in an impressive candidate pool. SGR is an executive recruitment firm based in Texas, specializing in recruiting, assessing, and developing innovative, collaborative, and authentic leaders for local governments. SGR’s proprietary recruitment and vetting process produced an incredibly strong field of candidates. The City of Laredo received 31 applications from candidates in eight states.

The finalists:

Andy Harvey has led multiple police departments in Texas, including the cities of Palestine, Ennis, and most recently, Pharr. Prior to this, he served in numerous roles in the Dallas Police Department, as Major, Lieutenant, and Sergeant, overseeing media relations, community engagement, patrol, property crimes, and personnel during his two decades of service to the department.

Andy holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership from Destiny College International, and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University. He graduated of the Police Executive Research Forum and the LEMIT Leadership Command College. He also is Certified Public Manager, Master Peace Officer, and TCOLE Certified Instructor.

Manuel Maciel is an Assistant Chief of Police for Laredo. Serving the department for the last 25 years, Manuel has worked as a Patrol Officer, Investigator, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief prior to his current position. He is a Certified Crisis Negotiator and manages grant funding opportunities for the department.

Manuel earned a Master’s degree in History and Political Thought and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, both from Texas A & M International University and is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Miguel Rodriguez has served the Laredo Police Department in numerous capacities and is currently an Assistant Chief of Police. He began his service in the City in 1999 as a Patrol Officer, and following that, his roles included Crime Scene Investigator, Special Investigations Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant-Auto Theft Task Force, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief of Police.

Miguel is the current State of Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Board Chair, and he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University.

Ricardo Gonzalez has been with the Laredo Police Department since 1999. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Police-Administrative Services. He has also served as the Deputy Chief for Criminal Investigations Division & Support Services, as well as Uniformed Services. He has also served in the Office of Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Unit, and Special Investigations Unit, after starting with the department as a Patrol Officer.

Ricardo holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration from Texas A&M International University and earned an Executive/Command/Supervision Certification from the Executive Leadership Institute for Law Enforcement.

Tom Whitten has served as Chief Deputy for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office since 2013 and was the Interim Criminal Justice Director from 2017 to 2018. He has served as Chief of Police in Harlingen, Texas, Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Dewitt, Iowa.

Tom earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and Public Administration, and a bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

The Police Chief Search Committee, led by City Manager Joe Neeb, reviewed the applicants and ultimately selected these five finalists. The upcoming onsite interview process will take place on August 30th and 31st. “The search committee and I welcome Mr. Andy Harvey, and Tom Whitten as external candidates as well as Manuel Maciel, Miguel Rodriguez, and Ricardo Gonzalez as internal candidates for the two days of the onsite interview process which will include community tours, numerous internal panel interviews, both a departmental and public meet and greet, and interviews with Mayor & City Council” said Mr. Neeb.

The City of Laredo will host a Meet & Greet with the finalists to be considered for the Laredo Police Chief position. This event will take place on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Haynes Recreation Center, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This is an opportunity for members of the community to stop by and interact with the finalists for Police Chief.