Dover Spanning Case Summary

Replacing the police chief was a hard process for Will Spanning, city manager of Dover. Spanning was well respected by his professional peer and those in the community. He recreated the city’s financial struggle to a “healthy surplus”. The city of Dover was doing great under his management skills. His accomplishments were recognized along with the police department. They were one of the most professional force in Dover. Spanning worked alongside newly hired Police Chief Charles Johnson after the previous two police chief’s resigned. As the two highest ranking executives, they understood each other’s perspective and supported each other 100%. Johnson was young, educated and well trained. Years later, he made a decision to study for his MPA fulltime, so Spanning was left to hire a new Police Chief.

Prior to Johnson resignation, they both reviewed resumes based on education, experience and training. Spanning treated his decision as an art rather than a science, he was judgmental in his planning. Regardless of what the other council members wanted he exemplified the 20/20 hindsight. His recruitment plan was unpopular, many of the council members disagreed and there were a few that supported his

All top officials should’ve been part of the selection process. According to Ephesians 4:11-12 (English Standard Version) states; “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” City Manager does not mean it’s a “one man show”, it does not mean because of one’s expertise things have to be done in a way that there is no other input. Everyone on the council could’ve assisted him. Things would’ve been easier and the respect and support of the people would be even greater. Matthew 23:12 (ESV), “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be