Posted by Equal Opportunity Employer, a resident of another community, on Jul 19, 2007 at 5:15 pm

One of the procedural steps that must be followed is advertising that the position of Assistant Chief is available, which had not happened at the time the Weekly posted this story. Fortunately, the City of Palo Alto's Human Resources Department has crafted a job description that applies only Captain Burns: Web Link

Posted by PD, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Jul 23, 2007 at 11:02 am

I suppose we are looking at our next Police Chief - I have mixed feelings about that.

Posted by david taylor, a resident of the Ventura neighborhood, on Jul 29, 2007 at 8:49 pm

Quote:

One of the procedural steps that must be followed is advertising that the position of Assistant Chief is available, which had not happened at the time the Weekly posted this story. Fortunately, the City of Palo Alto's Human Resources Department has crafted a job description that applies only Captain Burns

End Quote

The above post seems to be from someone with inside knowledge. But I've only seen the Captain from my perspective as a member of the public - most recently viewing his participation on the Taser task force. My experience watching him leaves me wondering: which parts of the job description does the poster believe only apply to Capt. Burns? Surely it is none of these:

- Ability to develop a meaningful dialogue with individuals and groups of different backgrounds and maintain composure under adverse conditions.

- Ability to relate effectively to employees and the public.

- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Well, orally, he does express himself concisely: you can't beat zero for conciseness. His lack of oral participation on the task force became a bit of a running gag among members: listen to police auditor Michael Gennaco's comment at the very beginning of the video clip of the task force vote at

Web Link

("Well, you never say anything Capt. Burns").

Concise - maybe. But it's difficult for me to see how that can be interpreted as ability to "develop a meaningful dialogue" or "relate effectively".

On the other hand, although I have trouble visualizing him playing the public relations role of a police chief, it's even more difficult for me to imagine how he could be much worse at it than the police chief we have now.

In any case, let's all be positive and hope he at least does no worse as assistant-chief than the assistant-chief we have now...

Posted by Alan, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Aug 11, 2007 at 1:24 pm

Dennis is an amazing individual and will do great things for the City of Palo Alto as Asst. Chief of Police. He has been a star for the Palo Alto P.D. and will soon be a GREAT Chief!

Posted by Bill, a resident of another community, on Mar 5, 2008 at 8:24 am

Captain Burns is a valued asset to both the Palo Alto community and the Police Department. He displays not only a concern for enforcing the law but being sensitive to the public's input and concern. He will be fantastic in his role as Assistant Chief or Chief of Police. Palo Alto residents should be proud to have someone of such high standards and community interest.

Posted by fireman, a resident of another community, on Mar 5, 2008 at 2:23 pm

I have nothing against Mr Burns.

This is not about him. Too bad things have been so bad in the CPA that if someone anyone get a promotion you have to wonder about them.

The thing to look at is HR.. You know with the new 141k position that came MID YEAR. very strange.

Franks buddie from so cal running it. with his monthly $500

Maybe the City should hold off with the promotion until FRANK IS GONE???

You know set your friends up before you leave....