Springfield appointing Andrew Shearer as police chief after nearly a year in interim role
After close to a year serving as Springfield Police Department's interim chief, Andrew Shearer will be taking on the role in an official capacity, the city announced Tuesday.
Shearer was sworn in as interim chief on May 24, 2021. He filled the position left by former chief Richard Lewis, who announced a handful of days before while on paid leave for an “administrative personnel investigation” that he would be retiring.
In the months since Shearer started, he's been addressing issues within the Springfield Police Department and changing the department culture.
Shearer brought in experience and a fresh perspective, City Manager Nancy Newton said.
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His leadership has "led the department to make considerable strides to improve" through more transparency, policy and procedure updates, more opportunities for community engagement, increased officer training and work to strengthen relationships with underserved communities. Overall, his approach has been "exemplary," Newton said.
"We are very fortunate to have someone with his extensive experience, thoughtful guidance and compassion serving our community," Newton said in a statement. "His steady guidance and exceptional leadership came at the right time, and I am very pleased he is continuing with us in service to the Springfield community."
Shearer came to Springfield after more than 28 years at the Portland Police Bureau, where he was most recently the assistant chief of police before retiring in August 2020.
Shortly after being sworn in, he told The Register-Guard he was looking forward to fixing problems within SPD and helping to grow recruitment.
Read more: Interim chief: Why Springfield Police Department upheaval didn't stop him from taking job
Shearer told officials in October that the department is using “hard-earned lessons” to improve.
He said Tuesday that he's "witnessed the courage of the men and women of (SPD) firsthand" since starting as interim chief. He added people should appreciate SPD employees' "selfless in the face of danger" and willingness to self-reflect and improve.
"A safe city requires trust and partnership between police and community in addition to a combined commitment to public safety for all," Shearer said in a statement. "That commitment is strong here in Springfield."
A news release announcing Shearer's appointment touted dozens of achievementsfor the department since May 2021, including:
Increasing transparency via city webpage and social media.
Going live with a body-worn and in-car video program.
Implementing software to enhance accountability and continuous improvement related to use of force, vehicle pursuits and complaint management.
Establishing a peer support program.
Improved critical incident operational planning and operational protocols.
Implementing changes to policy and training in alignment with recommendations from an independent assessment of the shooting death of Stacy Kenny in March 2019. The assessment was required as part of a $4.55 million settlement with Kenny's family.
Giving all sworn members scenario-based training related to decision-making, control tactics and de-escalation.
Shearer said he's confident SPD can "achieve even greater successes" moving forward while strengthening existing partnerships and growing new ones.
He'll be sworn in as chief at 10:30 a.m. March 28.
Give the new chief feedback
People can tell Shearer what they think he should know about serving Springfield or their ward within the city and share other thoughts with the new chief at springfield-or.gov/city/focus-on/welcome-springfield-police-chief-andrew-shearer/
There also will be chances to interact with Shearer in person through "Coffee with the Chief" opportunities this spring and summer.
Contact city government watchdog Megan Banta at mbanta@registerguard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeganBanta_1.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Andrew Shearer appointed as Springfield police chief
