The Richland Center Police Commission has appointed Officer Lucas M. Clements as the next Chief of Police of the City of Richland Center.
A formal swearing-in ceremony for Officer Clements will take place on July 1, 2015. Further details of that ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Officer Clements has been employed by the Richland Center Police Department since 2003. He has served as the Department’s Lieutenant (second-in-charge) for three years and been a member of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force for 11 years, as well as a team leader on the Richland County Special Response (SWAT) Team (team leader).
Officer Clements is a lifelong resident of Richland Center. He graduated from Richland Center High School in 1998 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Stevens Point in 2002.
This appointment culminates a nearly five-month hiring process by the Police Commission. The position was advertised statewide and regionally, and resulted in the receipt of 15 applications. Those applications were screened by the Commission’s consultant and five applicants were interviewed by the Commission. The applicants included strong candidates from around the state, including Officer Clements.
At the conclusion of the interviews, the Commission was unanimous in its belief that the most qualified applicant for the position was Officer Clements. The strength of Officer Clements’ resumé, his presentation during the interview and his references made it clear to the Commission that he was the superior applicant and the right choice to lead the Richland Center Police Department.
The Commission performed a background process on Officer Clements, which included the successful completion of psychological and leadership examination and a drug and alcohol screen. The Commission has reached an agreement with Officer Clements on the terms and conditions of his employment.
The Commission is extremely excited about the future of the Police Department under Officer Clements’ leadership. He brings to the position the experience and background to be an exemplary law enforcement leader, is familiar with the City and Department, and has the strong support of the Department, the Richland County Sheriff and the Richland County District Attorney.
The Commission strongly believes that Officer Clements is the right choice to succeed Chief Annear and it anticipates a seamless transition of leadership.
Written by the Richland Center Police Commission.
