New Shorewood Deputy Police Chief Could Be Named by April

Shorewood police could welcome a new deputy chief as early as mid-April, officials said Monday as they started the process to find the department's new second-in-command.

The statewide search for candidates was sparked after .

Shorewood Police Chief David Banaszynski said Monday he will put out a call to fill the position soon, allow three weeks for interested parties to apply, then whittle the applicant pool down to five or six candidates.

An interview panel including Banaszynski, village leaders, members of the village’s Police Commission and an external police chief — likely University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Police Chief Michael Marzion — will then vet the candidate pool. 

Then, Banaszynski would recommend the best candidate to take the position, and ask for the commission's approval. A chosen candidate will still be required to undergo drug testing and a mental and physical health evaluation before being awarded the job.

Banaszynski said two lieutenants within his department would be considered.

Some have argued against seeking a new deputy chief, , but Banaszynski has said the deputy chief position is vital to his department. He said the deputy chief runs the day-to-day operations, therefore freeing him up to do bigger picture planning, and allowing officers to spend more time patrolling the streets rather than on administrative tasks.

Additionally, Banaszynski said he may retire in the next few years and is hoping to find his successor through the process of tapping a new deputy chief.