Opinion ID: 855991
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Chief Hankla

Text: In 2006 the City of Hoonah (the City) hired Jefferson Hankla as a patrol officer with the Hoonah Police Department. In early 2008 Hankla applied for an open position as police chief. The city council appointed Hankla as police chief in February, but later was informed by Hankla’s colleague, Lieutenant William Mills, that Hankla did not meet the eligibility requirements for the position, making the appointment a violation of city code. The mayor rescinded the appointment; the city council then amended the city code to allow Hankla to qualify and re-opened the position. Lt. Mills had not applied for the position when it was first advertised, but he applied when the position re­ opened. In April, the city council again appointed Hankla as police chief.