When Hudnut became mayor in 1975, the office of police chief was part of a political patronage system, and the chief ran the police department according to political considerations. Political interference in normal police policies and procedures was a serious problem. Under Hudnut, the police chief was made the sole appointing the police chief was made the sole appointing authority for top police deputies and assistants. The chief also recommends officers for promotion and has authority for the daily operations of the department. Separate civilian merit and safety boards oversee the operations and management of the police department. The public safety director, who is appointed by the mayor, appoints a police chief, subject to the mayor's approval. The mayor has the authority to replace a police chief. Hudnut justifies his replacement of two police chiefs during his 10 years in office because they were not responsive to the broader goals of the city government's executive branch. Hudnut argues that the chief must contribute to and conform to executive policy, although the chief has the sole authority to manage the police force within the parameters of executive policy. Three notes are listed.