The city of Bainbridge Island has officially launched its search for a new chief of police, city spokeswoman Kristen Drew said earlier this week.

The cutoff for the first review of applications is Monday, Sept. 16 and officials reportedly seek to complete the hiring process by the end of the year.

The city has engaged Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to lead the nationwide search.

SGR specializes in public sector executive recruitment.

The position became vacant in February when Bainbridge Island Police Department Chief Matt Hamner resigned. Deputy Chief Jeff Horn was appointed Interim Police Chief and will continue to serve in that role until a replacement police chief is hired.

At that time, officials said, Horn will resume his role as Deputy Chief for the department.

In a recruitment brochure for the position, the city’s “ideal candidate” for police chief is described as “an excellent communicator within the organization and throughout the community. The successful candidate will have superior technical knowledge of professional best practices and emerging trends in the field of public safety. The new police chief will be expected to prioritize training that facilitates the Department’s mission and to cultivate strategies to attract, train, and retain a highly qualified work force.

“It will be important for the new police chief to be a visible and active member of the community and to communicate the city’s goals for the police department through words and actions,” the description continues. “The ability to connect successfully with diverse components of the community, using sensitivity and respect, is essential. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished professional with a solid record of integrity and ethics. Residency within Bainbridge Island is preferred.”