The Southfield City Council will hold a Community Panel Interview for the top four police chief candidates at a Special City Council Meeting on Monday, June 3 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 26000 Evergreen Road.

The four final police chief candidates include: Detroit Police Department Deputy Chief Elvin Barren, Acting Southfield Police Chief Brian Basset, Wayne County Sheriff's Office Commander Donafay Collins and Detroit Police Department Commander Charles Mahone.

As part of the police chief hiring process, the City is accepting questions from the public relating to the police department and the community in an effort to provide transparency and engage residents. Questions for consideration can be e-mailed to policechief@cityofsouthfield.com. All questions will be reviewed by the human resources department to avoid duplication and ensure that they are appropriate and acceptable under federal rules and restrictions. The panel will include representatives from Southfield’s business and religious communities as well as residents.

Southfield Deputy Police Chiefs Nick Loussia and Brian Bassett were selected as acting police chiefs by City Administrator Fred Zorn on September 7, 2018 following the resignation of former Police Chief Eric Hawkins. The city of Southfield conducted a comprehensive national search to fill the vacant chief of police position. While the chief recruitment process is ongoing, the Southfield Police Department has been directed by two highly qualified and experienced acting chiefs: Nick Loussia who oversees the investigations division and Brian Bassett who directs the patrol division.

The Southfield Police Department provides a full range of quality public safety services which include marked and unmarked patrol units, a well-trained Investigative staff, and outstanding Crime Prevention services. The department has been honored for outstanding service award from the Michigan Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Outstanding Crime Prevention Award by the Michigan Crime Prevention Association, and by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for its notable community policing programs.

Southfield Police Officers are supported by the latest technology and equipment available. Computers are installed in all marked patrol units to provide faster access to vital information about suspects, victims and addresses in and around the city of Southfield. The radio system represents an important improvement in the speed and efficiency of the department’s communication technology. Further, the Police Department has instituted a FAX Network for local businesses and private police. This system is designated to share crime prevention and other information with the private sector in a timely manner. The department has installed a computerized arrest photo system, fingerprint system, computer aided dispatch and records management system. The Southfield Police Department is continuously adding new technology and crime fighting strategies to their existing police concepts to remains a leader in law enforcement and policing.