Hatch interviews finalists for police chief

COSTA MESA — The search for a new police chief narrowed this week after Costa Mesa’s chief executive officer interviewed the remaining candidates.

CEO Tom Hatch conducted interviews with finalists, although the number of those up for the top cop position was not released, said city spokesman William Lobdell.

A decision is expected to be reached in the upcoming weeks, Lobdell said.

In early June, the pool was winnowed from an initial 60 applicants to 13, who were questioned before three separate panels, including public safety, community and public employee panels.

The search for a new police chief has been ongoing since former Police Chief Chris Shawkey resigned in early March. He had been placed on administrative leave in November.

More recently, Costa Mesa’s interim Police Chief Steve Staveley abruptly resigned last month after accusing the City Council of fabricating a budget deficit, and making drastic and unnecessary cuts to the Police Department.

Hatch has called Staveley’s remarks inaccurate.

—Lauren Williams