After a nationwide search and several rounds of initial interviews, the list for Branson’s new police chief has now been narrowed down to five highly qualified individuals. Final interviews are scheduled next week.
The initial Interviews were held in January in Jefferson City by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association (MPCA). There, candidates underwent thorough written, situational and psychological tests as well as panel interviews with sitting police chiefs throughout the state of Missouri.
Current Branson City Administrator Stan Dobbins, who has almost 40 years of experience in law enforcement, is the former Branson Chief of Police. Branson’s Board of Aldermen promoted Dobbins to Branson city administrator. Dobbins started in Branson as the Assistant Police Chief in 2012 and was promoted to Chief in 2016. Dobbins has served both as interim city administrator and Branson police chief since May 24th but started as the official city administrator January 1st.
Branson will have its own process within the city to make sure the individual is a good fit. An offer to the new chief of police is expected at the beginning of March.