U. keeps police commissioner six more weeks

Since the search for a new police commissioner is taking longer than expected, Kuprevich is going to remain at the University for another six weeks, until the replacement is selected, according to Executive Vice President John Fry. "I made the decision because we are getting close to selecting our next commissioner, and John has graciously agreed to extend his stay for a little while longer," Fry said. He added that he is still on track to his original commitment of replacing Kuprevich by the end of the summer. He added that he hopes to narrow down the search to one or two candidates to present to University President Judith Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow as soon as possible. "I am hoping to make a final announcement August 15," he said. "Maybe even a week sooner." And since Kuprevich is involved in several important long-term projects -- such as the Community Walks program -- the University could benefit from him finishing them up before he leaves, Fry added. The comprehensive national search for Kuprevich's replacement began promptly after he announced his resignation. Since then, Fry has narrowed the field of candidates from more than 70 applicants to a small group of final candidates. Last week, Fry reported that he had brought the search down to two to four candidates. Yesterday, Fry said he has recently been receiving phone calls bringing more people into the search. "This thing is more fluid than I would have expected," he said. Fry said he has appointed a consultative group to involve faculty, students and administrative staff in the candidate review process. "I am trying to reach out and now get the opinions of very important constituencies," he said. He added that it is very important to him that the final candidates have a good relationship with the Philadelphia Police and community. "One of the things that is extremely important to me is an understanding and an appreciation for Philadelphia, and particularly the West Philadelphia area," he said. Fry added that he has spent a lot of time consulting with former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Tucker for the search. Fry said he is on "a very very fast track" in terms of presenting a finalist to Rodin and Chodorow.

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